Iron Deficiency among School-Aged Adolescents in Hong Kong: Prevalence, Predictors, and Effects on Health-Related Quality of Life

Author:

Cheung Yin Ting1ORCID,Chan Dorothy Fung Ying2,Lee Cheuk Kwong3ORCID,Tsoi Wai Chiu3ORCID,Lau Ching Wa3,Leung Jennifer Ngar Sze3,So Jason Chi Chiu4,Wong Chris Lei Po5,Tsang Stella Tsui Ying5,Chu Yvonne Yuen Ling6,Li Chi Kong678ORCID

Affiliation:

1. School of Pharmacy, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China

2. Department of Paediatrics, Prince of Wales Hospital, Hong Kong SAR, China

3. Hong Kong Red Cross Blood Transfusion Service, Hong Kong SAR, China

4. Department of Pathology, Hong Kong Children’s Hospital, Hong Kong SAR, China

5. Hong Kong Molecular Pathology Diagnostic Centre, Hong Kong SAR, China

6. Department of Paediatrics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China

7. Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Hong Kong Children’s Hospital, Hong Kong SAR, China

8. Hong Kong Hub of Paediatric Excellence, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China

Abstract

Iron deficiency (ID) is a prevalent nutritional deficiency affecting children/adolescents worldwide. We reported (1) the prevalence of ID and ID with anemia (IDA) among Chinese school-aged adolescents, (2) clinical and dietary predictors of iron status, and (3) its impact on health-related qualities of life (HRQoL). This cross-sectional study recruited 183 boys and 340 girls (mean age = 17.55) from 16 schools in Hong Kong. ID is defined as serum ferritin <15 μg/L. The participants reported their dietary habits, menstrual patterns (girls), and HRQoL using structured questionnaires. The overall prevalence of ID was 11.1%. None of the boys had ID or IDA. Among girls, the rate of ID was 17.1% and IDA was 10.9%. One-third (36.3%) reported a regular habit of skipping ≥1 meal/day. Lower ferritin was found in adolescents who skipped meals (Est = −35.1, p = 0.017). Lower ferritin is correlated with poorer school functioning (Est = 0.81, p = 0.045) and fatigue (Est = 0.92, p = 0.016). Skipping meals is associated with poorer physical (p = 0.0017) and school functioning (p = 0.027). To conclude, 1 in 10 school-aged adolescents in Hong Kong are iron-deficient. The ID rate in girls (17.1%) is similar to that in other industrialized countries (5.2–16.6%). Future work should promote awareness on the potential health consequences of poor dietary habits on ID and the well-being of adolescents.

Funder

Health and Medical Research Fund

Food and Health Bureau

Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region

Publisher

MDPI AG

Subject

Health, Toxicology and Mutagenesis,Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

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