Iron deficiency anemia and nutritional status among women of childbearing age

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Anemia is a condition in which the number of red blood cells is insufficient to meet the body's physiologic needs. Iron deficiency is thought to be the most common cause of anemia, and its prevalence is an important health indicator. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study is to estimate the frequency of iron deficiency anemia among women of childbearing age and to identify the relationship between iron deficiency anemia and nutritional status. METHODS: Venous blood samples were collected from 140 women (20-26 years old). Hemato-biochemical analyses were conducted to assess nutritional status. Anamnesis, characteristics of menstruation and contraceptive use were collected through a survey. A statistical analysis was performed, and P values of less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant. RESULTS: The data revealed that of 140 women, 39 (28%) had anemia, 46.15% had iron deficiency anemia, 61.53% had microcytic hypochromic anemia and 99 (70.71%) had body mass index values within the normal range. Oral contraceptives were used by nearly 13% of respondents. Most (77.14%) of them reported a regular menstrual pattern. CONCLUSION: Special attention should be paid to avoiding physiological complications due to anemia during pregnancy.