The prevalence of iron deficiency anemia (IDA) in female students of Zahedan

325 female students of Zahedan at the average age of 16.2 years old (16-22) were randomly selected to study the prevalence of iron deficiency anemia. Hb, hematocrit, MCV, MCHC, iron, TIBC and ferritin were measured. Results showed that in the population studied 3.4%, 27.7%, 4.3%, 11.7%, 25.5%, 11.4% had their Hb, MCV, serum iron, tranferrin saturation, ferritin respectively below the WHO standards. The correlation coefficient between Hb, MCV and hematocrit, serum iron was r=0.54, P<0.00001, r=0.38, P<0.00001 respectively. Also the correlation coefficient between transferring saturation, serum iron and ferrin was r=0.94, P<0.00001, r=0.31, P<0.00001 respectively. Our study shows that hematological and biochemical markers of iron status of the young Zahedan girls at puberty are lower than WHO standards and these girls might be at risk of iron deficiency anemia