Volume 18, Issue 2 (Summer 2026)
2026, 18(2): 75-81 |
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Ethics code: IR.IAU.KHUISF.REC.1403.098
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Zamani S, Abed M, Amini A. Comparison of Neurocognitive Executive Functioning in Individuals with Iron Deficiency Anemia and Healthy Controls. North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences 2026; 18 (2) :75-81
URL: http://journal.nkums.ac.ir/article-1-3386-en.html
URL: http://journal.nkums.ac.ir/article-1-3386-en.html
1- Department of Psychology, Isf. C., Islamic Azad University, Isfahan, Iran
2- Department of Psychology, Isf. C., Islamic Azad University, Isfahan, Iran ,mohammadrezaabed@iau.ac.ir
3- Assistant Professor, Department of Hematology and Blood Banking, Faculty of Allied Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
2- Department of Psychology, Isf. C., Islamic Azad University, Isfahan, Iran ,
3- Assistant Professor, Department of Hematology and Blood Banking, Faculty of Allied Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Abstract: (39 Views)
Introduction: Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is one of the most common nutritional disorders and is particularly prevalent among women and children. In addition to its impact on physical performance, IDA can adversely affect executive neurocognitive functioning. This study aimed to compare neurocognitive executive functions among individuals with iron deficiency anemia and healthy controls.
Methods: This descriptive-analytical, causal-comparative study included individuals with and without IDA who attended Aramesh Laboratory of Pathobiology and Genetics in Tehran between July and October 2024. A total of 340 participants were selected through convenience sampling, comprising 170 individuals with IDA defined as hemoglobin levels of 8–10 g/dL and ferritin levels <30 ng/mL, and 170 healthy controls with normal hemoglobin and ferritin levels. The exclusion criteria were prior iron supplementation, underlying hematologic or metabolic disorders, and lack of informed consent. Data were collected using the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function–Adult Version (BRIEF-A) and analyzed using SPSS (version 27) through the non-parametric Mann–Whitney test.
Results: Findings indicated that IDA significantly impaired executive neurocognitive functions. Participants with IDA showed lower performance in attention, working memory, and cognitive flexibility, which may disrupt decision-making, emotional regulation, and task management.
Conclusions: Iron deficiency anemia is associated with executive dysfunction, and affected individuals demonstrate poorer neurocognitive executive functioning compared with healthy controls.
Methods: This descriptive-analytical, causal-comparative study included individuals with and without IDA who attended Aramesh Laboratory of Pathobiology and Genetics in Tehran between July and October 2024. A total of 340 participants were selected through convenience sampling, comprising 170 individuals with IDA defined as hemoglobin levels of 8–10 g/dL and ferritin levels <30 ng/mL, and 170 healthy controls with normal hemoglobin and ferritin levels. The exclusion criteria were prior iron supplementation, underlying hematologic or metabolic disorders, and lack of informed consent. Data were collected using the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function–Adult Version (BRIEF-A) and analyzed using SPSS (version 27) through the non-parametric Mann–Whitney test.
Results: Findings indicated that IDA significantly impaired executive neurocognitive functions. Participants with IDA showed lower performance in attention, working memory, and cognitive flexibility, which may disrupt decision-making, emotional regulation, and task management.
Conclusions: Iron deficiency anemia is associated with executive dysfunction, and affected individuals demonstrate poorer neurocognitive executive functioning compared with healthy controls.
Keywords: Anemic Individuals, Executive Function, Healthy Controls, Iron Deficiency Anemia, Neurocognitive
Type of Study: Orginal Research |
Subject:
Basic Sciences
Received: 2025/08/27 | Accepted: 2025/12/27 | Published: 2026/07/1
Received: 2025/08/27 | Accepted: 2025/12/27 | Published: 2026/07/1
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