PREVALENCE OF ANEMIA AND ASSOCIATED RISK FACTORS AMONG SAUDI PATIENTS IN KSA: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Background: Multiple factors contribute to Saudi Arabia's severe anemia epidemic. The incidence of anemia has been widely studied in Saudi Arabia, with consistent results showing a high rate of occurrence among young people, young adults, and women of childbearing age. This study aimed to establish the prevalence and risk variables among Saudi patients. Methods: The current study aims to determine the prevalence of anemia among adult Saudi patients at a single point of measurement as reported by parents. The most suitable design is cross-sectional study. It was descriptive and correlational study. This enables the researcher to measure the effect and the outcome at a single point of time. This study design gives reliable results with short time and less effort. The study was conducted at (place). The participants were selected during the period from October to November 2022. This study included adults aged 19 years or more via non-probability convenient sampling technique at a confidence level of 95% using Epi Info software equation. Results: Study included 832 participants. Among them, 61.3% were males (n= 510) and 322 participants were females (38.7%). Most of study participants were more than 35 years (n= 357, 42.9%). More than half of study participants had a normal body mass index (BMI) (n= 468, 56.3%) while 61 participants were categorized as underweight (7.3%). Hypertension was the most prevalent comorbid condition (n= 92, 11.1%). Participants were asked about medical issues that might cause anemia. Hemorrhoid was present among 93 participants (11.2%) while menorrhagia was found among 48 female. Furthermore, 189 participants reported having iron deficiency anemia (22.7%). Anemia was prevalent among female participants more than male participants (P Conclusion: Our research revealed a significant incidence of anemia among study participants. When compared to the male population, anemia is more common among females. Microcytic anemia was the most frequent kind of anemia in women, especially in the reproductive age range of 15 to 49, whereas normocytic anemia was more common in men. Both men and women were more likely to have mild or moderate anemia, although more women than men were affected with severe anemia. The government of Saudi Arabia has to take action to reduce the rate of anemia among its citizens.