A Cross-Sectional Study on the Correlation Between Hemoglobin Levels, Physical Activity, and Dietary Iron Intake Among Female Medical Students in Mauritius

Objectives: To determine the prevalence of anemia among female medical students at SSR Medical College, Mauritius, and to evaluate the correlation between hemoglobin levels, physical activity patterns, and dietary iron intake. Design: Cross-sectional observational study. Setting: SSR Medical College, Mauritius. Participants: 150 female medical students aged 18-25 years recruited through stratified random sampling. Exclusion criteria included known hematological disorders, chronic illnesses affecting iron metabolism, pregnancy, and current iron supplementation. Main Outcome Measures: Hemoglobin concentration; physical activity levels assessed using the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ); dietary iron intake evaluated through a validated food frequency questionnaire. Results: Mean hemoglobin concentration was 12.1±1.2 g/dL. Anemia prevalence was 34.7% (n=52), with mild anemia (28.7%) and moderate anemia (6.0%). Mean dietary iron intake was 14.2±4.8 mg/day, with only 28.0% meeting the recommended allowance of 18 mg/day. Physical activity analysis revealed 38.7% sedentary, 44.0% moderately active, and 17.3% highly active. A significant positive correlation was observed between hemoglobin and dietary iron intake (r=0.28, p=0.003). Hemoglobin showed negative correlation with sedentary hours (r=-0.22, p=0.02). Multiple regression identified haem iron intake (β=0.34, p<0.001) and sedentary behavior (β=-0.19, p=0.02) as independent predictors. Factors significantly associated with anemia included inadequate dietary iron intake (OR 3.2, 95% CI 1.5-6.8), sedentary lifestyle (OR 2.4, 95% CI 1.1-5.2), and heavy menstrual bleeding (OR 2.8, 95% CI 1.3-6.1). Conclusions: Anemia affects one-third of female medical students, with inadequate dietary iron intake and sedentary lifestyle as significant modifiable risk factors. Findings highlight the need for targeted nutritional interventions and physical activity promotion in medical education settings.