Assessment of community awareness of the possible relationship between black tea consumption and iron deficiency anemia.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Iron deficiency anemia is a public health problem affecting both developing and developed countries, with devastating consequences on health as well as social and economic development. However, there are scarce data regarding community awareness in Saudi Arabia; therefore, this study was conducted to assess the awareness of the community about the relationship between black tea consumption and iron deficiency anemia.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted, with 231 participants from Al-Ahsa region agreeing to participate voluntarily. The study instrument gathered sociodemographic data on the participants and asked them awareness-related questions.

RESULTS

None of the study participants was completely aware of iron-rich foods, although the majority of the participants had a decent awareness level. Statistically significant differences were found between age, educational level, and type, the number of cups of black tea consumed per day, and awareness of the relationship between black tea consumption and iron deficiency anemia.

CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS: Based on the finding that the majority of the participants had moderate awareness, education and awareness-raising strategies should be planned and offered to improve nutritional habits and to encourage refraining from the consumption of food and drinks that hinder iron bioavailability.