Prevalence of Anaemia and Its Association with Academic Performance Among Female Undergraduates in Enugu State University of Science and Technology

Iron deficiency anaemia continues to disproportionately affect young women of reproductive age in sub-Saharan Africa, with implications for both physical and cognitive performance. This study assessed the prevalence of anaemia and its association with academic performance among female undergraduates at Enugu State University of Science and Technology, South East Nigeria. A total of 160 female students aged 18 to 26 years were recruited using stratified random sampling. Haematological analysis was conducted on venous blood samples to determine haemoglobin concentration, packed cell volume, and red blood cell indices. Academic performance was estimated using the cumulative grade point average obtained from academic records after informed consent. Chi-square tests and logistic regression were applied to examine associations. Results revealed that 27.5 percent of participants were anaemic based on WHO haemoglobin thresholds. Anaemic students had significantly lower mean grade point averages compared to their non-anaemic peers. Diet low in iron-rich foods and infrequent use of iron supplements were strongly associated with anaemia prevalence. Menstrual irregularities further increased the risk. The study concludes that anaemia is a prevalent and academically consequential condition among female university students in Enugu State. Routine haematological screening and targeted nutritional supplementation programmes are recommended for this population group. Keywords: anaemia, haemoglobin, academic performance, female undergraduates, Enugu State.