Jornal de Distúrbios do Sangue e Transfusão

Abstrato

Awareness Assessment towards Anemia in the Western Region of Saudi Arabia

Rana Ghazi Zaini

Background: Anemia is a common public health problem-affecting people at both developing and developed countries. It characterized by abnormal low hemoglobin level and associated with several numbers of risk factors.

Method: Pre-piloted online questionnaires consist of 21 questions were used in this study to assess the general awareness level toward anemia.

Results: This study showed that the majority of the participants showed well understanding regarding what is the anemia with (89%). More than two third of study participants (77%) recognized that some types of anemia can be inherited. However, limited level of awareness was presented regarding to the association of anemia with exposure to the benzene and working in cement factories for long periods with 15% and 14% respectively.

Conclusion: This is the first study to be done in western region of Saudi Arabia to assess the people awareness level toward anemia and their risk factors. This study also suggested that increasing awareness and education for the purpose of changing life style and consumption patterns as well as additional intakes of supplements in some medical cases and pregnancy for preventing or/and reducing the incidence of anemia.