Prevalence and determinants of anaemia among university students: a gender-based analysis

Introduction: Anaemia remains a major global public health concern, disproportionately affecting young women of reproductive age. University students represent a nutritionally vulnerable group; however, males are often underrepresented in anaemia surveillance. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of anaemia among university students in the UAE and to identify gender-specific determinants. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among students aged 18–35 years at a large university in the UAE. Sociodemographic data were collected via questionnaire. Haemoglobin concentration was measured using the HemoCue Hb 201 + system. Anthropometric measures and body composition were assessed, and dietary intake was evaluated using a 24-h recall. Results: The median age was 20.0 years (IQR: 19.0–22.0) and median BMI was 23.7 kg/m² (IQR: 20.7–27.6). Compared with males, females were more likely to be underweight and less likely to be obese, exhibited lower fat-free, muscle, and bone mass, higher fat mass percentage, and lower dietary intakes. Overall anaemia prevalence was 49.10% (95%CI 45.30–52.90), with significantly higher rates among females (60.70, 95%CI 56.20–65.20) than males (24.60, 95%CI 18.80–30.40). No determinants were identified among females. In males, anaemia was inversely associated with height, fat-free mass, muscle mass, bone mass, and dietary iron and zinc intakes; height emerged as the strongest independent predictor. Conclusion: Anaemia is highly prevalent among UAE university students. These findings highlight the importance of including male students in screening and prevention strategies and adopting gender-specific approaches to anaemia control.