Community screening for iron deficiency in reproductive aged women: Lessons learnt from Australia

Background and Objectives
Reproductive-aged women are at an increased risk of developing iron deficiency (ID). We aimed to develop a non-invasive screening tool to identify ID in women and assess the acceptability of screening.

Study Design and Methods
We screened women (age 18–49 years) in the community of Western Australia. Primary outcome: acceptability of screening, assessed by the feasibility of recruiting the required sample size (n = 323). Secondary outcomes: Hand grip strength, finger prick haemoglobin concentration (Hb), prevalence of heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB), diet, pregnancy history, blood donation, symptoms of ID and history of ID or anaemia (Hb < 120 g/L). Those with Hb <130 g/L and no history of iron therapy in the past 2 years were given referrals for venous full blood count and ferritin sampling.

Results
Across 5 days, we recruited 640 eligible women. Of which, 178 (28%) had HMB and 79 (12%) were anaemic. Mean age was 33.5 ± 9.2 years, and mean Hb was 132.4 ± 11.9 g/L. In the past 2 years: 335 (52%) were diagnosed with ID or anaemia; 322 (50%) had taken oral iron; and 210 (33%) had an intravenous iron infusion. Vegetarian diets were followed by 89 (14%); 40 (6%) were regular blood donors; 290 (45%) had a previous pregnancy.

HMB increased the risk of symptoms of ID and having prior ID/anaemia diagnosis (67% vs. 47%) or treatment (p < 0.022). Hand grip strength showed a positive relationship with both Hb (adjusted R2 = 0.012, p = 0.004) and ferritin (adjusted R2 = 0.135, p = 0.005).

Conclusion
ID screening was well accepted by women in the community, with high recruitment rates over a short period. Future screening tool development may consider incorporating hand grip strength and HMB assessment.