Knowledge on Anemia Causes and Associated Risks Improve with Education and Better Socioeconomic Standard among Students of Medicine, Pharmacy, Nursing and Other Allied Health Professions in Palestinian Territories
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.22317/imj.v9i2.1309Keywords:
Anemia, Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice, Students, Health Occupations, Nutrition EducationAbstract
Objectives: This study aimed to assess the level of knowledge about anemia and its associated factors among Palestinian students in medical and allied health fields, and to evaluate the impact of a course on anemia-related topics.
Methods: Data were collected through an electronic questionnaire assessing students' knowledge of anemia, sociodemographic characteristics, nutritional status, and whether they had completed a course covering anemia. An anemia knowledge score and a socioeconomic status (SES) score were calculated. The data were analyzed using SPSS.
Results: A total of 117 students from medicine, nursing, pharmacy, and other health-related disciplines participated. The average age was 19.9 ± 2.24 years, and the mean anemia knowledge score (out of 26) was 19.4 ± 3.6. Males comprised only 29.9% of the sample. Age, SES (based on income), and father's education level were significant predictors of anemia knowledge. Taking a nutrition course was associated with higher anemia knowledge scores (p = 0.09), while the specific field of study was not a significant predictor.
Conclusion: Students in medical and allied health professions may benefit from including targeted nutrition courses on anemia in their academic curriculum.
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