Study of iron deficiency anemia in non-pregnant young females at a tertiary care center

 

Goldee Khurana^1*, Joginder Singh²

 

Abstract              Background: Anemia remains a major challenge for the health and development of women and children in low and middle-income countries. Anemia is a serious public health problem affecting 293.1 million children and 468.4 million nonpregnant women in LMICs. Though many programmes are focussed on pregnant and lactating mothers, it is necessary to focus on nonpregnant, nonlactating females of reproductive age group. Present study is focussed on study of iron deficiency anemia in non-pregnant young females at a tertiary care center. Material and Methods: This was a cross-sectional, observational study conducted in female patients of reproductive age 19-42 years old with iron deficiency anaemia. Results: Total 513 patients satisfying inclusion and exclusion criteria were considered for present study. Patients from age group 19 to 26 years were 54 %, followed by 27 to 34 years age group (26 %) and 35-42 years age group (20 %).Literacy status was upto 12^th standard in 65%, while 23 % were illiterate and only 12 % were graduation and above. Most patients were either housewife (56%) or labourer/farmer (21%). As per Socio-economic status class I, II, III, IV and V patients were 9%, 17%, 28% 21% and 25% respectively. 71 % patients had normal BMI, 17 % were underweight while 11% had BMI > 25. Most patients had age of marriage as 21-30 years (72%), followed by less than 20 years (24%) and more than 30 years (4%). In patients with anemia 82 % patients had their first pregnancy at 21-30 years age. Most patients had 0-2 number of pregnancies (78%) and 0-2 number of live children (74%). 55 % patients were not using any contraceptive while 16 % were using condoms and 14 % underwent tubectomy. Conclusion: Anemia as a public health issue in developing country like India can not be eradicated without interventions right form childhood-to-adolescence to reproductive ages rather than targeted programmes at the time of pregnancy and lactation.

Key Words: anemia, iron deficiency anemia, young female.