Comparison of Two Iron Supplementation Methods on Hemoglobin Level, Mood and Menstrual Bleeding in Female Students of Tabriz University of Medical Sciences: A Double Blind Randomized Clinical Trial.

Abstract

Abstract: Introduction: Iron deficiency anemia not only has adverse effect on physical Performance, but also, mood and quality of life can be affected by it. Taking iron supplement improves iron state and menorrhagia. This study compared the effect of two iron supplementation methods on mood in anemic students of Tabriz University of Medical Sciences. Methods: In this double blind randomized clinical trial, 225 students were allocated randomly into 3 groups (weekly iron supplementation, 4 days of menstrual bleeding and placebo for 16 weeks). Before and after intervention, the level of hemoglobin was measured in 3 groups. POMS SF questionnaire and Higham chart were completed before and after the intervention in 3 groups. Data analyzed by descriptive and analytical statistics including chi –square, independent and paired t test and ANOVA. Results: There was no significant difference between groups in terms of demographic characteristics, hemoglobin level, TMD (Total Mood Disturbance) scores and all of the subscales and menstrual bleeding before intervention (p>0.05). After the intervention, no significant differences based on analysis of covariance in hemoglobin level, menstrual bleeding, TMD scores and scores of the subscales of tension, depression, vigor, fatigue and confusion between groups was found(p>0.05), while this difference in score of anger between three groups was significant (p=0.005). also, in comparing before and after intervention, there was significant difference in hemoglobin level in each group, so that taking iron supplement increased significantly the level of hemoglobin in each group (p<0.001). While, there was no significant difference in menstrual bleeding amount in three groups (p>0.05). Based on paired t test weekly iron in comparison to menstrual iron make significant improvements in subscales of anger (p=0.018) and confusion (p=0.027). Discussion and Conclusion: The effect of taking iron supplement in menstrual bleeding period on anemia and menstrual bleeding amount is similar to taking it weekly. Due to the importance of mood on quality of life and that weekly iron was causing improvement the overall condition of mood and reducing scores of the anger and confusion, a weekly iron supplementation for women of childbearing age based on National Committee guidelines iron supplementation and WHO is necessary.