Zubeyde Altun BOZKURT, Yagmur Kinaci GUMUSCUBUK, Erhan SIMSEK, Basri Furkan DAGCIOGLU, Nuray Yilmaz CAKMAK
The Medical Bulletin of Haseki - 2026;64(3):176-185
Aim: Iron deficiency anemia remains a common global health problem, particularly affecting women owing to reproductive and nutritional factors. This study aims to assess the use of iron preparations, their side-effect profiles, and their impact on treatment adherence among women in Türkiye. Methods: This study was designed as a cross-sectional analytical study between October 1 and November 30, 2023. A total of 270 female patients receiving iron replacement therapy for at least one month were included in the study. A structured 20-item questionnaire was used to collect data on demographic characteristics, iron preparations, side effects, and treatment adherence. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, t-tests, and binary logistic regression to identify predictors of treatment discontinuation. Results: Nausea was the most frequently reported cause of medication discontinuation (84.0%) and of switching (73.4%). Iron (III) polymaltose complex was associated with the highest rates of side effects (55.6% reported dyspeptic complaints) and treatment discontinuation (88.9%). The tablet formulation substantially increased the risk of treatment discontinuation by approximately ninefold overall and by about 5.6 fold due to side effects. Each additional year of age increased the odds of discontinuation by 10.4% (odds ratio 1.104; 95% confidence interval 1.062-1.146; p<0.001). Non pregnant women experienced higher rates of side effects, treatment discontinuation (47.2% vs. 30.9%), and medication changes (38.9% vs. 25.3%) than pregnant women (p=0,007; p=0.018). Conclusion: These findings support the need for personalized treatment strategies that consider factors such as age, pregnancy status, and formulation type to improve adherence and minimize treatment discontinuation.
