Screening for iron deficiency in young women: the predictive validity of a five-item screening instrument (IRON-5)
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Iron deficiency is the most common micronutrient deficiency worldwide, negatively affecting quality of life and health. Young women are at particularly high risk due to increased iron demands during growth, menstrual blood losses, and dietary habits. There are no official guidelines recommending screening for iron deficiency in healthy young women. This study aimed to develop a screening instrument (IRON-5) to predict iron deficiency in this group, with relevance for use in primary care and school health services. METHODS: In 2023, a cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the prevalence of iron deficiency and associated factors in high school girls. A questionnaire assessing dietary habits, menstrual bleeding patterns, iron supplement use, and hormonal contraceptive use was administered. Iron deficiency was defined as serum ferritin
Fields of Study & Subjects
Iron Metabolism and Disorders
Clinical Laboratory Practices and Quality Control
Hemoglobinopathies and Related Disorders
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Scandinavian Journal of Primary Health Care
- Publisher
- Informa UK Limited
- Volume
- 44
- Issue
- 1
- Pages
- 2649329–2649329
- Publication date
- 31 March 2026
- Language
- EN