Knowledge and attitudes on anemia and menstrual health among Malaysian female university students.

Autor: Mok KT; Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Faculty of Applied Sciences, UCSI University, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, 56000, Malaysia., Kaur S; Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Faculty of Applied Sciences, UCSI University, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, 56000, Malaysia. satvinderkaur@ucsiuniversity.edu.my., Say YH; Department of Biological Sciences, School of Medical and Life Sciences, Sunway University, Bandar Sunway, Malaysia., Bahari SS; Center for Dietetics Studies, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Puncak Alam, Malaysia., Paratthakonkun C; College of Sports Science and Technology, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand., Mahmudiono T; Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Public Health, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, Indonesia., Razak NA; Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Faculty of Applied Sciences, UCSI University, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, 56000, Malaysia.; UCSI Wellbeing Research Centre, UCSI University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Jazyk: angličtina
Zdroj: Scientific reports [Sci Rep] 2024 Oct 29; Vol. 14 (1), pp. 26020. Date of Electronic Publication: 2024 Oct 29.
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-76655-9
Abstrakt: Anemia is a significant public health concern, particularly among young female adults due to its potential impact on reproductive health. This study investigated the association between anemia-related knowledge, attitudes, menstrual health, and anemia status among Malaysian university students. This was a cross-sectional study named "SCARF" - Study to Combat Anemia - Research for Female Students, involving 674 university students in Malaysia. Anemia status was determined based on haemoglobin level, while knowledge, attitude and menstrual health were measured using validated questionnaires. The mean menarche age of students in this study was 12.1 ± 1.21 years. Students who were anemic had significantly longer menstrual cycle duration (P = 0.034) and more days with heavy flow (P = 0.038). Most students had poor knowledge (44.5%) and attitudes (84.1%) towards anemia. Students with good knowledge were 1.1 times more likely to have better anemia status compared to those with poor knowledge (95% CI: 1.0-1.2, P = 0.049). This study highlighted a lack of practical application of the knowledge to dietary habits. Collaborative efforts between educators and healthcare providers are crucial in developing a comprehensive strategy, such as interventions to prioritise educational initiatives and practical support to enhance overall menstrual health among female students.
(© 2024. The Author(s).)
Databáze: MEDLINE
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