Prevalence and determinants of anaemia among university students: a gender-based analysis

Anaemia remains a major global public health concern, disproportionately affecting young women of reproductive age. University students represent a nutritionally vulnerable group; however, males are often underrepresented in anaemia surveillance. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of anaemia among university students in the UAE and to identify gender-specific determinants.

A cross-sectional study was conducted among students aged 18-35 years at a large university in the UAE. Sociodemographic data were collected via questionnaire. Haemoglobin concentration was measured using the HemoCue Hb 201 + system. Anthropometric measures and body composition were assessed, and dietary intake was evaluated using a 24-h recall.

The median age was 20.0 years (IQR: 19.0-22.0) and median BMI was 23.7 kg/m² (IQR: 20.7-27.6). Compared with males, females were more likely to be underweight and less likely to be obese, exhibited lower fat-free, muscle, and bone mass, higher fat mass percentage, and lower dietary intakes. Overall anaemia prevalence was 49.10% (95%CI 45.30-52.90), with significantly higher rates among females (60.70, 95%CI 56.20-65.20) than males (24.60, 95%CI 18.80-30.40). No determinants were identified among females. In males, anaemia was inversely associated with height, fat-free mass, muscle mass, bone mass, and dietary iron and zinc intakes; height emerged as the strongest independent predictor.

Anaemia is highly prevalent among UAE university students. These findings highlight the importance of including male students in screening and prevention strategies and adopting gender-specific approaches to anaemia control.