IMPACT OF ANEMIA ON COGNITIVE FUNCTION, IQ, ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE, ACHIEVEMENTS, AND STUDENTS ATTENDANCE AMONG MEDICAL STUDENTS: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY.

Background: Anemia is a common yet often under diagnosed condition among university students, particularly those in health sciences disciplines. It can adversely affect cognitive performance, academic achievement, and class attendance—critical components of student success. This study aimed to evaluate anemia risk and its potential effects on intellectual functioning and educational performance among undergraduate students in medical and health-related faculties.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 199 students from five faculties (Medicine, Public Health, Pharmacy, Dentistry, and Biomedical Sciences) across all academic years. Data were collected through structured questionnaires and domain-based scoring tools assessing anemia risk factors, dietary habits, menstrual and medical history, cognitive symptoms, IQ estimation, academic achievement, and attendance. Anthropometric data (height, weight, BMI) were also recorded. Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlations  and scoring interpretation models were used to categorize risk levels and impacts.
Results: The majority of participants were from the fourth academic year (44.7%) and the Public Health faculty (32.7%). The average BMI across all faculties was within the normal range (mean = 23 kg/m²), though some variation was observed. Group-wise scoring indicated a moderate risk of anemia (mean = 13/40) and a moderate impact on cognitive performance and IQ (total score = 31–35/50 (P values < 0.05) across all groups. Symptom burden and poor dietary habits were the most frequently reported risk domains. Furthermore, cognitive and academic scores also associated with anemia risk, and some participants reported diminished attendance and performance (P< 0.05).
Conclusion: This study highlights a concerning link between anemia and diminished cognitive, IQ, academic, and attendance outcomes among university students. The findings underscore the need for early screening, nutritional intervention, and educational support to mitigate the academic consequences of anemia. Integration of anemia assessment into student health services could promote both well-being and academic success.