KIẾN THỨC, THÁI ĐỘ, THỰC HÀNH PHÒNG CHỐNG THIẾU MÁU DO THIẾU SẮT CỦA SINH VIÊN Y KHOA NĂM THỨ NHẤT VÀ NĂM THỨ BA TẠI TRƯỜNG ĐẠI HỌC Y - DƯỢC, ĐẠI HỌC THÁI NGUYÊN

Abstract

Aims: To assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding the prevention of iron deficiency anaemia among first-year and third-year medical students at University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Thai Nguyen University in 2025.

Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among 892 first-year and third-year medical students in 2025. Data were collected using a structured self-administered questionnaire on knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to iron deficiency anaemia prevention. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and group comparisons.

Results: Overall, 87.8% of students had adequate knowledge regarding iron deficiency anaemia prevention, with no difference between first-year and third-year students. Positive attitudes were reported by 82.7% of students, with a higher proportion among third-year students (89.2%) compared to first-year students (77.0%). Appropriate preventive practices were observed in 62.8% of students and were significantly higher among third-year students than first-year students (76.1% versus 51.1%).

Conclusions: Medical students demonstrated relatively good knowledge and attitudes towards iron deficiency anaemia prevention; however, preventive practices remained limited, particularly among first-year students. Academic training and clinical exposure appear to contribute to improved attitudes and practices. Strengthening educational and health communication interventions is necessary to enhance preventive practices, especially in the early years of medical education.