Journal Health of Woman. 2026. 2(183): 65-69. doi: 10.15574/HW.2026.2(183).6569
Velyka A. Ya.¹, Feger O. V.², Pohoriliak R. Y.², Kaliy V. V.², Keretsman A. O.^2
1Bukovinian State Medical University, Chernivtsi, Ukraine
²Uzhhorod National University, Ukraine

For citation: Velyka AYa, Feger OV, Pohoriliak RY, Kaliy VV, Keretsman AO. (2026). Iron-deficiency anemia in women as a medical and social problem: the role of biochemical mechanisms and preventive measures. Ukrainian Journal Health of Woman. 2(183): 65-69. doi: 10.15574/HW.2026.2(183).6569
Article received: Jan 04, 2026. Accepted for publication: Mar 22, 2026.

Iron-deficiency anemia in women is an important medical and social problem of public health, the prevalence of which is caused by a complex of biological, medical, social, and behavioral factors. A woman's physiological iron requirements at different stages of life, as well as dietary habits, reproductive health, socioeconomic status, health literacy, lifestyle, and access to preventive and therapeutic care, play a significant role.
Aim – to conduct an analysis of modern scientific data on the biochemical mechanisms of the development of iron-deficiency anemia in women and to determine the main medical and social factors that affect its prevalence, prevention and timely detection.
A systematic analysis of the scientific literature was carried out. The analysis includes scientific publications published during 2015-2025, devoted to the study of biochemical mechanisms of the development of iron-deficiency anemia in women, risk factors for its occurrence, preventive measures, and medical and social aspects of the spread of the disease. It was established that the development of iron-deficiency anemia in women is due to the combined effect of biochemical and medical, and social factors. Violation of iron metabolism, insufficient intake of it with food, increased physiological needs during pregnancy, chronic blood loss and associated diseases contribute to the formation of iron deficiency. At the same time, socio-economic inequalities, low level of awareness about prevention, lack of adherence to a healthy diet and limited access to medical care negatively affect the timeliness of diagnosis and prevention. The generalization of literature data indicates a significant role of medical and social determinants in the formation of the prevalence of iron-deficiency anemia among the female population.
Conclusions. Iron-deficiency anemia in women is formed under the influence of a complex of interconnected biochemical, medical, and social factors. Increasing the effectiveness of preventive programs, ensuring the availability of screening and early diagnosis, popularizing rational nutrition and increasing the level of medical awareness of the population are important components of reducing the prevalence of iron-deficiency anemia among women.
The authors declare no conflict of interest.
Keywords: iron-deficiency anemia, women, iron metabolism, medical and social determinants, prevention, public health.

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