Awareness and Attitudes Toward Iron Deficiency Anemia Among the Adult Population in the Northern Border Region of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia—A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) represents a significant public health concern, particularly among female populations. Various demographic factors, including age and socioeconomic status, have a substantial impact on overall health outcomes, contributing to the prevalence of IDA. The primary objective of this study was to assess the knowledge and awareness of iron deficiency anemia among the adult population and to examine its correlation with various sociodemographic factors. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Northern Region of Saudi Arabia between October and December 2024. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire from 385 participants aged 18 years and older. The Chi-square test was utilized to assess the association between categorical variables. Results: In this study, 42.5% of participants demonstrated good knowledge of IDA, 48.1% had moderate knowledge, and 9.4% showed poor knowledge. Knowledge levels were significantly associated with gender, age, education, and self-perceived IDA status. Women, older individuals, and those with higher levels of education had a greater knowledge of IDA. Regarding attitude, 93% of participants had a positive attitude, while only 7% exhibited a negative attitude. Interestingly, none of the explanatory variables were significantly linked to attitude, suggesting that positive attitude toward IDA was consistent across all demographic groups. Conclusions: This study highlights the need for targeted health initiatives focusing on diet, supplementation, symptom recognition, and prevention to effectively reduce the burden of IDA. Prioritizing education through symposiums and medical programs in high-prevalence regions is crucial.

1. Introduction

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the three groups most at risk of anemia are pregnant women (37%), women of reproductive age (30%), and children under five (40%) [1,2,3]. A condition known as anemia occurs when the body does not have enough hemoglobin, or red blood cells, to meet all of its physiological needs [4,5,6]. This condition is linked to an increased risk of maternal and child mortality [1,7]. Among other factors, anemia can be caused by autoimmune disorders like hemolytic anemia, genetic disorders including sickle cell disease and thalassemia, and nutritional deficiencies of iron, folic acid, and vitamin B12 [8]. Nonetheless, the most prevalent cause of anemia worldwide is iron deficiency anemia (IDA) [4,9]. The main risk factors for IDA are a low dietary iron intake, poor diet-induced iron absorption, elevated iron requirements, frequent blood loss, or pregnancy [10]. There are two primary causes of iron deficiency anemia: increased iron requirements and decreased iron absorption from dietary intake [8,9,10]. Increased iron requirements might result from worm infestation, pregnancy, infections, inflammatory or intestinal diseases, and blood loss during menstruation, or the body’s increasing demands as part of growth [8,9,10]. IDA is also significantly influenced by genetic disorders [10]. Additionally, anemia can result from bone marrow disorders that impair red blood cell production [9]. Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) is a rare stem cell disorder causing chronic intravascular hemolysis and iron deficiency anemia due to urinary iron loss from hemoglobinuria and hemosiderinuria [11]. Certain medications may inhibit iron absorption from dietary sources, further contributing to decreased iron levels. Obesity has also been implicated as a potential risk factor for IDA [8,9,10]. Moreover, gastrointestinal blood loss and intestinal parasitic infections exacerbate IDA in specific geographical regions [7,8,9,10].

IDA has significant economic and developmental implications for a nation, affecting overall productivity and progress [12]. Additionally, IDA negatively impacts children’s academic performance, as well as their cognitive and physical development [13]. Anemia is recognized as a prevalent medical condition, even in Saudi Arabia. A previous study involving 268 female students reported that 64% of participants were anemic [5,14]. Additionally, another study conducted in Saudi Arabia found that 40.5% of female adolescents aged 16 to 18 years had anemia [15,16,17]. A Middle Eastern study further revealed that Arab women had significantly lower dietary iron intake, hemoglobin levels, and hematocrit values compared to their male counterparts [8]. However, a recent survey conducted in 2020 indicated that only one-third of participants had sufficient knowledge about IDA [9]. Furthermore, another study highlighted a substantial lack of awareness among both genders regarding IDA and its prevention. Therefore, increasing awareness of IDA among the adult population is essential [10,12]. Consequently, this study was conducted to assess the level of awareness of IDA among adults in the Northern Region of Saudi Arabia and to examine its correlation with various sociodemographic factors.

2. Materials and Methods

A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among the general population aged 18 years and older in the Northern Region of Saudi Arabia from October to December 2024. A total of 385 participants, including both males and females, were enrolled using a random sampling approach. The minimum required sample size of 385 was determined using an online calculator [18], with a 5% margin of error and a 95% confidence level.

2.1. Data Collection

A questionnaire was developed using Google Forms (Google, Mountain View, CA, USA) and distributed electronically via text messages and social media platforms, including WhatsApp and Twitter. All participant information remained confidential, with no names or identification details collected. Participation was entirely voluntary, allowing participants to withdraw from the survey at any time. Completing the survey was considered as providing informed consent. The questionnaire was initially drafted in English and then translated into Arabic, the native language of the region. To ensure content validity, experts reviewed and verified the survey questions. Participants who did not complete the survey were excluded from this study. The questionnaire was structured into three sections: sociodemographic data and knowledge- and attitude-related questions about IDA. To facilitate transparency and replication, the original questionnaire has been appended as Supplementary Materials.

2.1.1. Part 1: Sociodemographic Characteristics

This section consisted of five items, including age, gender, educational level, place of residence, and the likelihood of having IDA.

2.1.2. Part 2: Knowledge Domain

Participants’ knowledge was assessed based on the number of correctly answered questions upon completing the survey. A three-point Likert scale (Agree, Disagree, and Don’t Know) was used for evaluation. Each correct response was awarded one point, while incorrect and “Don’t Know” responses received zero points, with a total of 14 items included in this section. The total score and percentage were calculated for each participant. Knowledge levels were categorized as follows:

Good knowledge: 11–14 correct answers;

Moderate knowledge: 7–10 correct answers;

Poor knowledge: Less than 7 correct answers.

2.1.3. Part 3: Attitude Domain

This section consisted of 10 items designed to evaluate participants’ attitudes toward iron deficiency anemia (IDA). Participants were categorized as having either a positive or negative attitude based on their responses. Each statement assessed a specific attitude, with response options of “Yes”, “No”, and “Don’t Care”. A positive attitude was indicated by a specific response, while the remaining two responses were classified as representing a negative attitude.

2.2. Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria

Individuals aged 18 years and above from the Northern Border Region were included in this study. Participants under the age of 18 and those unwilling to participate were excluded.

2.3. Statistical Analysis

Data entry and analysis was performed using SPSS 26.0 (IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 26.0. Armonk, NY, USA: IBM Corp.). Descriptive statistics were performed using the frequencies and percentages for categorical variables. The Chi-square test was used to assess the relationship between sociodemographic factors and the knowledge and attitude of the people involved towards IDA. A p value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

3. Results

3.1. Sociodemographic Characteristics

Table 1. Sociodemographic characteristics of the study population (n = 385).

Variable		Count	Percent
Gender	Male	154	40.0%
	Female	231	60.0%
Age	from 18 to 29 years	112	29.1%
	from 30 to 40 years	130	33.8%
	over 40 years	143	37.1%
City	Al Uwayqilah	21	5.5%
	Rafha	79	20.5%
	Turaif	93	24.2%
	Arar	161	41.8%
	Other towns	31	8.1%
Level of education	Illiterate	3	0.8%
	Primary	0	0.0%
	Intermediate	7	1.8%
	Secondary	96	24.9%
	University or higher	279	72.5%
How likely do you think it is that you have iron deficiency anemia?	Likely	273	70.9%
	Not Likely	100	26.0%
	Don’t Know	12	3.1%

presents the sociodemographic characteristics of the study participants. A total of 385 individuals were included in the survey, with a gender distribution of 40.0% male and 60.0% female. The age composition of the sample was as follows: 29.1% were between 18 and 29 years old, 33.8% were aged 30–40 years, and 37.1% were over 40 years of age. In terms of geographic distribution, the majority of participants were residents of Arar (41.8%), followed by Turaif (24.2%) and Rafha (20.5%). A smaller proportion of participants (5.5%) were from Al Uwayqilah, while the remaining 8.1% resided in other towns within the Northern Border Region. Regarding educational attainment, 72.5% of respondents possessed a college degree or higher, 24.9% had completed secondary education, 1.8% had attained an intermediate level of education, and 0.8% were classified as illiterate. Finally, when asked about their perceived likelihood of having IDA, 70.9% of respondents indicated that they believed they were likely to have IDA, whereas 26.0% reported that they considered themselves unlikely to have the condition.

3.2. Knowledge

Figure 1 illustrates the sources from which participants acquired knowledge about IDA. Among the respondents, 34.8% reported obtaining information through social media, 16.9% from educational institutions, 11.7% from friends, and 6.2% from television programs. The remaining 30.4% indicated that their knowledge originated from other sources.

Table 2. Items for assessing knowledge about IDA.

Knowledge Items					Count (%)
Anemia meaning	Low level of red blood cells and hemoglobin				290	75.3%
	Low level of platelets				65	16.9%
	Low level of white blood cells				30	7.8%
Knowledge Items	Agree		Disagree		Don’t Know
	Count (%)		Count (%)		Count (%)
2. Women are the only group at high risk of iron deficiency anemia	136	35.3%	209	54.3%	40	10.4%
3. The iron demand increases in the body during pregnancy and growth	317	82.3%	28	7.3%	40	10.4%
4. The daily iron requirement for adults is between 17–20 mg/day	201	52.2%	29	7.5%	155	40.3%
5. Iron deficiency anemia can be caused due to chronic blood loss	261	67.8%	59	15.3%	65	16.9%
6. The body does not need iron from external sources, as the body produces it by itself	56	14.5%	288	74.8%	41	10.6%
7. Body iron levels are affected by iron absorption	255	66.2%	34	8.8%	96	24.9%
8. The symptoms of iron deficiency anemia include pale skin	334	86.8%	17	4.4%	34	8.8%
9. The symptoms of iron deficiency anemia include weakness and fatigue	360	93.5%	12	3.1%	13	3.4%
10. The symptoms of iron deficiency anemia include acne	141	36.6%	126	32.7%	118	30.6%
11. There is no need to take treatment for iron deficiency as the body produces iron by itself	40	10.4%	323	83.9%	22	5.7%
12. Milk is rich in iron	168	43.6%	138	35.8%	79	20.5%
13. Meats are rich in iron	301	78.2%	31	8.1%	53	13.8%
14. There are foods or drinks that affect iron absorption	329	85.5%	17	4.4%	39	10.1%

mg: milligrams.

summarizes the items used to evaluate participants’ knowledge of iron deficiency anemia (IDA). A total of 14 items were included in the assessment. The first item inquired about the definition of IDA, to which 75.3% of respondents provided the correct answer. The remaining items consisted of various statements, with participants given the option to agree, disagree, or indicate uncertainty. Each statement had a single correct response. When asked whether “women are the only group at high risk”, 50.0% of participants correctly disagreed. Furthermore, 82.3% accurately agreed that iron requirements increase during pregnancy and periods of growth. Approximately half of the respondents correctly identified the recommended daily iron intake, while two-thirds demonstrated awareness that chronic blood loss is a contributing factor to IDA. Additionally, 74.8% correctly disagreed with the statement, “The body does not need iron from external sources”. Similarly, 66.2% correctly recognized that iron absorption plays a critical role in maintaining iron levels in the body. With regard to the symptoms of iron deficiency anemia (IDA), the most widely recognized symptom among participants was fatigue and weakness, with 93.5% demonstrating awareness of this association. The second most commonly identified symptom was skin pallor, recognized by 86.8% of respondents. Conversely, the least-known symptom was acne, with only 32.7% of participants acknowledging it as a potential manifestation of IDA. In terms of dietary knowledge, awareness was limited regarding the iron content of milk, as only 35.8% correctly identified that milk is not a rich source of iron. In contrast, 78.2% of participants correctly recognized that meat is a good source of dietary iron. Additionally, 85.5% were aware that certain foods and beverages can inhibit iron absorption. Lastly, 83.9% of respondents correctly disagreed with the statement, “There is no need to treat iron deficiency as the body produces iron on its own”, indicating an overall understanding of the necessity of external iron intake for maintaining adequate levels.

Table 3. Association between knowledge level and the explanatory variables.

		Knowledge Level			Chi-Square	p Value
		Poor	Moderate	Good
		%	%	%
Overall		9.4%	48.1%	42.5%
Gender	Male	12.3%	58.4%	29.2%	18.996	<0.01
	Female	7.4%	41.1%	51.5%
Age	from 18 to 29 years	12.5%	57.1%	30.4%	9.65	0.038
	from 30 to 40 years	8.5%	45.4%	46.2%
	over 40 years	7.7%	43.4%	49.0%
City	Al Uwayqilah	14.3%	52.4%	33.3%	7.441	0.49
	Rafha	3.8%	44.3%	51.9%
	Turaif	10.8%	46.2%	43.0%
	Arar	9.9%	49.1%	41.0%
	Other towns	12.9%	54.8%	32.3%
Level of education	Illiterate	66.7%	33.3%	0.0%	16.473	0.011
	Primary	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%
	Intermediate	0.0%	71.4%	28.6%
	Secondary	11.5%	52.1%	36.5%
	University or higher	8.2%	46.2%	45.5%
How likely do you think it is that you have IDA?	Likely	6.2%	47.3%	46.5%	14.612	0.006
	Not Likely	18.0%	50.0%	32.0%
	Don’t know	8.3%	50.0%	41.7%

presents the distribution of participants’ knowledge levels regarding iron deficiency anemia (IDA), categorized as good, moderate, or poor. Additionally, it examines the relationship between knowledge levels and several explanatory variables, including gender, age, area of residence, educational attainment, and participants’ self-perceived likelihood of having IDA. Based on the knowledge assessment scores, 42.5% of participants demonstrated a good level of knowledge, while 48.1% participants exhibited a moderate level of knowledge. In contrast, 9.4% of participants were classified as having poor knowledge regarding iron deficiency anemia (IDA). The findings indicate that all explanatory variables, except for the area of residence, were significantly associated with knowledge levels. Notably, 51.5% of female participants demonstrated good knowledge, compared to only 29.2% of males. Age was also a significant factor, with 46.2% of individuals aged 30–40 years and 49.0% of those over 40 years of age exhibiting good knowledge, whereas only 30.4% of participants under 30 years of ageachieved a similar level of knowledge. Educational attainment showed a positive correlation with knowledge levels, as participants with higher levels of education demonstrated greater knowledge about IDA. Finally, knowledge levels were associated with participants’ perceptions of their own IDA status. Among those with poor knowledge, only 6.2% and 18.0% were either certain about having or not having IDA, respectively. In contrast, 41.7% of individuals with good knowledge remained uncertain about their IDA status.

3.3. Attitude

Table 4. Items for assessing attitudes towards IDA.

Items of Attitude	Yes		No		Don’t Care
	Count	%	Count	%	Count	%
Do you think it is important for a person to visit a doctor diagnosed with iron deficiency anemia?	373	96.9%	4	1.0%	8	2.1%
2. If iron deficiency anemia is not treated properly, it can cause severe symptoms	355	92.2%	19	4.9%	11	2.9%
3. Do you think drinking tea/coffee during or immediately after a meal affects iron absorption?	338	87.8%	27	7.0%	20	5.2%
4. Do you think having drinks or foods rich in calcium during or immediately after a meal reduces iron absorption?	190	49.4%	143	37.1%	52	13.5%
5. Do you think taking vitamin C during or immediately after a meal reduces iron absorption?	106	27.5%	231	60.0%	48	12.5%
6. Do you think oral iron supplements treat all cases of iron deficiency anemia?	146	37.9%	221	57.4%	18	4.7%
7. To avoid iron deficiency, a dietary intake rich in iron should be increased	349	90.6%	23	6.0%	13	3.4%
8. Preparing meals rich in iron can be hard	73	19.0%	285	74.0%	27	7.0%
9. Do you think regular medical checkups are important to avoid iron deficiency anemia?	355	92.2%	12	3.1%	18	4.7%
10. If there was an awareness campaign about iron deficiency anemia, would you make an effort to attend?	310	80.5%	35	9.1%	40	10.4%

presents the items used to evaluate participants’ attitudes toward iron deficiency anemia (IDA). Each statement assessed a specific attitude, with response options of “yes”, “no”, and “don’t care”, reflecting either a positive or negative attitude. A positive attitude was represented by one response, while the remaining two indicated a negative attitude. The findings revealed that 96.9% of participants exhibited a positive attitude toward seeking medical consultation for IDA. Similarly, 92.2% acknowledged that untreated IDA could lead to severe symptoms. Furthermore, 87.8% demonstrated a positive attitude toward avoiding beverages that interfere with iron absorption. However, only about half of the participants expressed a positive attitude toward consuming calcium-rich beverages immediately after meals, while 60.0% held a favorable view of consuming vitamin C-rich foods and beverages post-meal. Additionally, 90.6% of respondents expressed a positive attitude toward maintaining an iron-rich diet, and 92.2% recognized the importance of regular medical check-ups in managing IDA. Lastly, 80.5% of participants indicated a willingness to attend awareness campaigns focused on IDA prevention and management.

Table 5. Association between attitude level and the explanatory variables.

		Attitude		Chi-Square Statistic	p Value
		Negative	Positive
		%	%
Overall		7.0%	93.0%
Gender	Male	8.4%	91.6%	0.803	0.37
	Female	6.1%	93.9%
Age	from 18 to 29 years	8.0%	92.0%	0.327	0.849
	from 30 to 40 years	6.2%	93.8%
	over 40 years	7.0%	93.0%
City	Al Uwayqilah	0.0%	100.0%	2.008	0.734
	Rafha	7.6%	92.4%
	Turaif	7.5%	92.5%
	Arar	6.8%	93.2%
	Other towns	9.7%	90.3%
Level of education	Illiterate	33.3%	66.7%	3.653	0.280
	Primary	0.0%	0.0%
	Intermediate	0.0%	100.0%
	Secondary	8.3%	91.7%
	University or higher	6.5%	93.5%
How likely do you think it is that you have IDA?	Likely	6.2%	93.8%	2.123	0.346
	Not Likely	8.0%	92.0%
	Don’t know	16.7%	83.3%

presents the levels of attitudes towards IDA, categorized as either positive or negative, and examines these levels across all explanatory variables. The table also investigates the association between these explanatory variables and attitudes towards IDA. Overall, the findings revealed that 93% of the study population exhibited a positive attitude toward iron deficiency anemia (IDA), while only a small proportion (7%) demonstrated a negative attitude. The results indicated that none of the explanatory variables were significantly associated with attitude, reflecting similar attitude levels across all categories. For example, both males and females exhibited positive attitudes toward IDA, with percentages of 91.6% and 93.9%, respectively. Similarly, for city variables, all respondents showed positive attitudes regardless of their area of residence. The same pattern was observed across all levels of the explanatory variables, indicating a generally positive direction of attitude in our sample.

4. Discussion

Anemia is a widespread health issue affecting individuals of all age groups across nearly every country [19]. However, its prevalence is notably higher in populations with low socioeconomic status and in developing nations. Any age, race, or gender can be affected by anemia [20]. Among the different types of anemia, IDA is more prevalent among pregnant women, young children, and women of the reproductive age group in many regions of Saudi Arabia [21]. In the present study, we evaluated the knowledge and awareness of IDA within the adult population and analyzed its correlation with various sociodemographic factors in the Northern Region of Saudi Arabia.

In the current study, age was a significant factor, with 46.2% of individuals aged 30–40 years and 49.0% of those over 40 years of age exhibiting good knowledge, whereas only 30.4% of participants under 30 years old achieved a similar level of knowledge. The majority of studies indicate that individuals acquire knowledge and awareness about IDA primarily through social media, followed by relatives and friends [22]. In our study, 34.8% of respondents reported obtaining information via social media, 16.9% from educational institutions, 11.7% from friends, and 6.2% from television programs. The remaining 30.4% indicated that their knowledge came from other sources. Additionally, correlations were identified between individuals’ sociodemographic characteristics and their level of awareness regarding IDA [23]. Many participants in our study demonstrated an insufficient understanding of IDA, a finding consistent with previous research [9,10,12]. In earlier studies, only a small percentage of participants exhibited a comprehensive understanding of IDA [9]. For instance, a study involving 120 women of reproductive age found that 55.8% of participants had inadequate knowledge about IDA [14].

About 82.3% of participants in the present study accurately acknowledged that iron requirements increase during pregnancy and periods of growth. Approximately half of the respondents correctly identified the recommended daily iron intake, while two-thirds recognized that chronic blood loss is a contributing factor to IDA. Furthermore, 74.8% correctly disagreed with the statement, “The body does not need iron from external sources”. Similarly, 66.2% understood the importance of iron absorption in maintaining adequate iron levels in the body. In several studies, 67.50% of individuals identified fatigue, nail changes, and skin pallor as symptoms of IDA [22,23,24]. In this study, the most widely recognized symptom among participants was fatigue and weakness, with 93.5% demonstrating awareness of this association. The second most commonly identified symptom was skin pallor, recognized by 86.8% of respondents. In contrast, the least recognized symptom was acne, with only 32.7% of participants acknowledging it as a potential manifestation of IDA. However, the results of our study differ from those of two earlier studies [17,20]. In the first study, 62.1% of participants identified hair loss as a symptom and indicator of IDA [17]. In the second study, 52.2% of participants reported weight loss as the most typical symptom of IDA [20].

Many participants in our study believed that IDA could be prevented. These findings align with those of previous studies [9,19]. In contrast, a different study found that only 8.0% of participants thought IDA could be prevented during pregnancy [25,26]. Our results indicated that women had more awareness of IDA compared to men. However, an alternative study found that men were more aware of IDA than women [15]. In a previous study, individuals with a postgraduate degree demonstrated the highest level of awareness of IDA [15]. Similarly, many other studies have shown that the highest levels of IDA awareness were observed among those with higher educational qualifications [9,10,12,13]. In our study, 72.5% of respondents held a college degree or higher and exhibited a high level of awareness about IDA. In contrast, 24.9% had completed secondary education, 1.8% had attained an intermediate level of education, and 0.8% were illiterate, showing a very low level of knowledge about IDA. According to one survey, individuals between the ages of 50 and 60 demonstrated higher levels of IDA awareness compared to other age groups [20,21]. This heightened awareness among those over 50 could likely be attributed to their greater levels of life experience, as many in this age group may also be parents. Their exposure to health-related issues through caregiving responsibilities could contribute to their increased knowledge about IDA. A study found that the risk of developing IDA was highest among preschoolers under the age of five, and the level of awareness about IDA among their parents was crucial in preventing the condition in children [22,23,24,25]. Additionally, several studies revealed that 67.5% of participants believed the most effective approach for managing IDA involved a combination of dietary modifications and oral supplements, including green vegetables, meat, milk, and dates [25,26,27].

In terms of dietary knowledge, our study revealed limited awareness regarding the iron content of milk, with only 35.8% correctly identifying that milk alone is not a rich source of iron. In contrast, 78.2% of participants correctly recognized meat as a good source of dietary iron. Additionally, 85.5% were aware that certain foods and beverages can inhibit iron absorption. Lastly, 83.9% of respondents correctly disagreed with the statement, “There is no need to treat iron deficiency as the body produces iron on its own”, demonstrating an overall understanding of the necessity of external iron intake to maintain adequate iron levels. Several studies have shown that individuals diagnosed with IDA often attempt to manage the condition on their own without seeking medical treatment [22,23,24,25]. However, the findings of our study revealed that 96.9% of participants exhibited a positive attitude toward seeking medical consultation for IDA. Similarly, 92.2% of participants in our study acknowledged that untreated IDA could lead to severe symptoms. Additionally, 90.6% expressed a positive attitude toward maintaining an iron-rich diet, and 92.2% recognized the importance of regular medical check-ups in managing IDA. The prevalence of IDA in Middle Eastern nations ranges from 25% to 35%, despite the implementation of various food fortification initiatives by government and health organizations [13,21]. The prevalence of IDA has been found to be significantly associated with participants’ eating habits, lifestyle, and breakfast routines [15]. One study indicated that 21% of the general population held negative attitudes toward IDA, with anemia being common in one-third of the population [23,24,25]. A Middle Eastern study also highlighted significant gaps in the knowledge regarding iron supplementation and its relationship with serum iron levels [22]. Research has shown that after an instructional session, the intervention group’s overall score in terms of IDA-related knowledge, attitudes, and practices improved significantly [16]. Lastly, 80.5% of participants in the present study expressed a willingness to attend awareness campaigns focused on the prevention and management of iron deficiency anemia (IDA) [26,27]. Our study was an attempt to raise the awareness about IDA among the adult population in the Northern Region of Saudi Arabia, where the prevalence of IDA is high but the level of awareness remains low.

5. Limitations

Both recall bias and awareness level bias may have influenced the findings of our study. Furthermore, these biases can be exacerbated by the use of self-reported data, which inherently relies on participants’ perceptions and honesty. Additionally, variations in participants’ interpretation of survey questions could introduce further inconsistencies. As a result, while our study provides valuable insights into IDA awareness, these limitations should be considered when interpreting the findings.

6. Conclusions and Recommendations

In conclusion, understanding IDA is essential for maintaining a healthy lifestyle, particularly among women, who are at a higher risk of developing the condition. Therefore, enhancing knowledge and awareness through symposiums and continuing medical education programs should be prioritized in regions where IDA is prevalent. This study underscores the necessity of targeted health education initiatives aimed at increasing public awareness of IDA. These programs should focus on key aspects such as dietary modifications, knowledge of iron supplementation, recognition of symptoms, and preventive measures to reduce the burden of IDA. By implementing structured educational interventions, healthcare authorities can play a pivotal role in improving the overall health outcomes of at-risk populations.