Prevalence of Iron Deficiency Anaemia and its Associated Factors among Reproductive Age Women in a Rural Area of Karaikal, Puducherry, India

Abstract

Introduction: Iron Deficiency Anaemia (IDA) is considered as one of the most common public health problem which affects low, middle and high level countries. It also affects all age groups including reproductive age group women. Aim: To find the prevalence of IDA and its associated factors among reproductive age women in a rural area of Karaikal, Puducherry, India. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in the rural field practice area of Department of Community Medicine, Vinayaka Mission Medical College and Hospital, Karaikal among reproductive age group women from 18 to 45 years residing at Serumavilangai Village, during November 2015 to April 2016. Results: The mean age of the participants was 30.5±5.6 years. The prevalence of anaemia among study participants was 35.9%. Their different levels of severity of anaemia were as follows: 23.6% with mild anaemia, 8.9% with moderate, and 3.4% with severe anaemia. The mean haemoglobin level among the participants was 11.9±3.6 g/dL. Significant association was also found between socio-demographic variables and anaemic status of the reproductive age group women in terms of religion, literacy status, occupation and socio-economic status with p-value <0.01. Conclusion: In the current study anaemia is a major public health problem; coordinated efforts should be paid to control anaemia. Recognised risk factors should be considered in prevention and control strategies of IDA among reproductive age group women in this region.

Keywords

• hemoglobin level
• linear trend
• marital status