Anemia among Medical Students from Jakarta: Indonesia-Iron Deficiency or Carrier Thalassemia?

Anemia, a global health concern, affects one-fourth of the global population, particularly women. In Indonesia, its prevalence is 23.7%, with 32.0% among 15-24 year-olds. Factors include poor nutrition, infectious diseases, chronic diseases, inherited disorders, and inadequate healthcare access. This study aimed to investigate anemia prevalence and its etiology among medical students from Jakarta.

This study was a descriptive research with a cross-sectional approach. Undergraduate students aged 18-23 years old were selected and consented to participate by a consecutive nonrandom sampling methods. Laboratory blood data were evaluated (including Hb, MCV, MCH, HbA₂, and ferritin levels) and DNA was isolated to confirm the type of thalassemia carrier.

In total, 140 medical students, mainly female, were recruited. Anemia was found in 13.6% (11.4% had low MCV and/or MCH), and 16.5% had low MCV and/or MCH without anemia. Hb electrophoresis revealed high HbA₂ values, suggesting the HbE variant (2.1%), and β-thalassemia carrier (0.7%). DNA analysis confirmed the cd26 mutation and heterozygous IVS1nt5. Among those without anemia, 5% had α-deletion, while in the group with anemia, 1.4% had α-deletion (with coexistent IDA), 3.6% had α-deletion, and 0.7% had β-mutation.

DNA analysis can identify specific mutations associated with alpha-thalassemia, distinguishing between iron deficiency anemia and the alpha-thalassemia trait. Thalassemia screening should involve low MCV and/or MCH values as the first step (stage 1), followed by Hb analysis (stage 2) and DNA analysis (stage 3). In common areas, a combination of Hb and DNA testing is best. However, healthcare professionals must diagnose and treat thalassemia, as proper management relies on accurately identifying the underlying condition.