Evaluation of regional differences, age, and sex variations in hematological parameters among adolescents in Sudan: a multicenter community-based cross-sectional study

Background Recently, greater attention has been paid to the influence of regional differences, age, and sex on hematological parameters, particularly among adolescents. No such data are available in Sudan. The current study aimed to investigate the associations between regional differences, age, sex, and hematological parameters [hemoglobin, white blood cell [WBC], red cell distribution width [RDW], and platelets] among adolescents in northern and eastern Sudan. Methods A comparative community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in northern and eastern Sudan. The adolescents’ sociodemographic data were collected via a questionnaire. The studied hematological parameters were measured using an automated hematology analyzer. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed. Results A total of 738 adolescents participated in the study, comprising 356 from northern Sudan and 382 from eastern Sudan, with 44.0% males and 56.0% females. The median age was 14.8 years, and the hematological parameters were as follows: hemoglobin 12.9 g/dL, WBC 6.0 × 10 9 /L, red blood cells 4.7 × 10 6 /mm 3 , platelets 348.0 × 10 9 /L, and RDW 13.7%. Hemoglobin and RDW levels were significantly higher among adolescents in northern Sudan than in eastern Sudan. Conversely, WBC and platelet counts were significantly higher in eastern Sudan. Multivariate linear regression analysis revealed that increasing age was positively associated with hemoglobin but negatively associated with platelet count. Being female was positively associated with WBC, RDW, and platelets but negatively associated with hemoglobin levels. Living in eastern Sudan was positively associated with WBC and platelets but negatively associated with hemoglobin and RDW. Conclusion The study identified notable regional variations in hematological parameters among adolescents in Sudan, with northern Sudan showing higher hemoglobin and RDW levels, whereas eastern Sudan had increased WBC and platelet counts. Further research is recommended to establish age-, regional differences-, and gender-adjusted cutoff values for hematological parameters in clinical practice to improve the diagnosis and prognosis of hematological disorders among Sudanese adolescents.