Eating Habits of Female Students Residing in a University Dormitory Focusing on Prevention of Iron Deficiency Anemia, 2009

Background and Objectives: Iron deficiency is a prevalent nutrition deficiency in the world. Women are at risk for iron deficiency anemia. Changing behavior towards healthy eating habits in women helps iron deficiency anemia decrease. The purpose of this study was to assess eating habits of female students residing in the dormitory of the Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences focusing on prevention of iron deficiency anemia in 2009. Material and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, a convenience sample of 348 female students was selected. Data were gathered using the demographic and nutrition pattern inventories related to prevention of iron deficiency anemia. The reliability and validity of the scale was confirmed. The statistical analysis of the data was done in the SPSS 16. . Results: The results showed that 0.2 percent of the participants had low level eating habit, 59 percent had a moderate level, and 40.2 percent had a high level eating habit. Conclusion: Regarding the importance of the anemia and the role of healthy diets in prevention of anemia, it is recommended to increase the knowledge of women aged 15-49 years old towards health eating.