Screening for iron deficiency in young women: the predictive validity of a five-item screening instrument (IRON-5)

Background Iron deficiency is the most common micronutrient deficiency worldwide, negatively affecting quality of life and health. Young women are at particularly high risk due to increased iron demands during growth, menstrual blood losses, and dietary habits. There are no official guidelines recommending screening for iron deficiency in healthy young women. This study aimed to develop a screening instrument (IRON-5) to predict iron deficiency in this group, with relevance for use in primary care and school health services.Methods In 2023, a cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the prevalence of iron deficiency and associated factors in high school girls. A questionnaire assessing dietary habits, menstrual bleeding patterns, iron supplement use, and hormonal contraceptive use was administered. Iron deficiency was defined as serum ferritin