Anemia among freshmen of a faculty of physical education : Risk factors among female students

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the frequency of anemia and to explore risk factors related to anemia among female students at admission. Methods: Participants were 2,361 freshmen in a faculty of physical education from 2008 to 2011. Risk factors for anemia were examined in 577 female students out of 2,361 students in total. Rates of anemia and iron storage depletion were examined in both male and female students, and risk factors for anemia were examined in a multiple logistic regression model. Results: The rate of anemia （less than 12 g/dl of hemoglobin） was 0.1% among males, 6.1% among females, and 1.7% among both sexes. The rate of anemia （less than 13 g/dl of hemoglobin） was 0.6% among males, 31.0% among females, and 8.0% among both sexes. The rate of ion storage depletion was 2.9% among males, 31.0% among females, and 25.3% among both sexes. A multiple logistic regression model indicated that sFe levels, TIBC, and CK levels were significant factors related to anemia among female students. Conclusion: The rate of anemia was 0.6% among male students（ defined as hemoglobin <13 g/dl） and 6.1% among female students（ defined as hemoglobin