Effectiveness of Ayurvedic Program in Managing Hair Loss Associated with Iron Deficiency Anemia among Nursing Students

Abstract

: Background : Iron deficiency anemia is an important public nutritional health problem. Severe depletion of serum iron levels leads to hair loss. Aim : This study was conducted to assess the effectiveness of the Ayurvedic Program in managing hair loss associated with iron deficiency anemia among nursing students. Design: A quasi-experimental design was utilized. Setting : data were collected from the Faculty of Nursing, Menoufia University, Egypt. Sample : A purposive sample of 145 nursing students who were diagnosed with iron deficiency anemia and had hair loss. Tools: Four tools were used to collect data: Tool (I): a structured interviewing questionnaire, Tool (II): the IRONIC-FFQ, Tool (III): a Hair Loss Questionnaire, and Tool (IV): Bio-physiological measurements. Results : The mean age of the female student participants was 18.64 ± 0.62 years. Post implementation of the Ayurvedic program, there was a significant improvement in the mean total knowledge level compared to before the Ayurvedic program (23.46 ± 3.85 vs. 16.1 ± 2.40, respectively). Moreover, there were significant increases in hemoglobin level, mean cellular volume, hematocrit, serum iron, and ferritin post-Ayurvedic program than before (p < 0.01). Conclusion: The findings of this study indicated that the Ayurvedic program effectively manages hair loss associated with iron deficiency anemia among nursing students. The implementation of the Ayurvedic program resulted in significant positive changes in hemoglobin, mean cellular volume, hematocrit, serum iron, and ferritin. Recommendation: Public health awareness should be initiated to raise awareness about the Ayurvedic program and the relationship between iron deficiency anemia and hair loss.