Prevalence of Iron Deficiency Anaemia among the Reproductive Age Group Women Attending the Unani Hospital, Bangalore, Karnataka, India

Abstract

Introduction: Iron Deficiency Anaemia (IDA) is the most widespread micronutrient deficiency. Globally, nearly two billion people are affected by anaemia. This disease most often affects children, women of child-bearing age, and pregnant women. Nearly half of the pregnant women in the world are estimated to be anaemic. Its prevalence varies according to region and socio-economic conditions. The majority of those who are anaemic live in developing countries where the problem is exacerbated by limited access to inadequate resources and appropriate treatment. Aim: To find out the prevalence of IDA in the reproductive age group women and its associated factors. Materials and Methods: This hospital based, cross-sectional study was conducted among 400 females, of age group 15- 49 years. After obtaining the written informed consent, eligible subjects were inquired about socio-demographic variables, socio-economic status, anthropometric measurements and risk factors. Required investigations were done. All the information was recorded on the semi-structured schedule form. Chisquare/Fisher’s-exact test was used to find the significance of study parameters on categorical scale between two or more groups. Results: Prevalence of IDA was found to be 42% (168/400). Prevalence of IDA was significant with habitat (p=0.0180), exercise (p=0.0004), amount of blood loss during menstruation (p<0.0001), duration of flow during menstruation, (p=0.0020), consumption of fish (p=0.0002), consumption of legumes (p=0.002), consumption of green leafy vegetable (p<0.0001). Conclusion: Results confirmed an increased prevalence of IDA in women of reproductive age group.

Keywords

• haemoglobin
• hypochromic and microcytic
• semi-structured schedule