Prevalence of anaemia and its determinants among non-pregnant rural women aged 19-30 years in Coimbatore, India

Abstract

Introduction: Anaemia is a major public health problem leading to multiple consequences including increased economic burden on the affected individuals, their families, communities and societies. According to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-4), prevalence of anaemia among reproductive age women is 55% in India. Identifying local determinants, will help to plan for appropriate ways to reduce the risks of morbidity associated with anaemia. Objectives: To find out the prevalence of anaemia and factors influencing it among non-pregnant women (19-30 years) in a rural area near Coimbatore, India Methods: The study was conducted in the field practice area of Rural Health Training Centre (RHTC), PSGIMSR, Coimbatore during the period of October-December 2019. Two villages were chosen randomly from the 14 villages and women aged 19-30 years were recruited for the study. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect the data pertaining to factors intended for this study. Haemoglobin level was measured using haemoglobin photometer and the determinants were identified using multiple logistic regression analysis. Results: The current study showed the prevalence of anaemia to be 56.8% (95% CI=50.0, 63.0%). The best determinants of anaemia were found to be low economic status (adjusted odds ratio (aOR)=2.14; 95% CI=1.02, 4.49), less intake of green leafy vegetables (aOR=1.93; 95% CI=1.12, 3.32) and inadequate awareness regarding anaemia. (aOR=1.99; 95% CI=1.09, 3.62). Conclusions & Recommendations: Anaemia continues to be a public health problem in rural Coimbatore. Along with Weekly Iron and Folic acid supplementation (WIFS), determinants of anaemia have to be addressed among reproductive age women.

Keywords

• Anaemia
• Prevalence
• Haemoglobin photometer
• Risk factors