Abstract

PERVASIVENESS OF IRON DEFICIENCY AMONG WOMEN OF REPRODUCTIVE AGE (18-49 YEARS)

Divya Shashi Oraon*, Virginia Paul and Anisha Verma

ABSTRACT

Background and Objectives: Anaemia is a major public health problem in the country as well as globally affecting nearly a third of the global population. As per the Global Burden of Disease Study (2016), Iron-deficiency anaemia is among the top 10 causes of disability-adjusted life years for women with reproductive age. Objectives were to find out the iron deficiency anemia, hemoglobin level, clinical symptoms, awareness and lifestyle pattern, to find out the nutritional status of women. Materials and Methods: total 50 women aged between 18-49 years were selected, anthropometric measurement using BMI, hemoglobin level recorded and compared with WHO (2011), lifestyle factor, Awareness and nutrient intake was done comparing with RDA (2010).Results- Iron deficiency was present among women. Mean hemoglobin was less than normal indicating the moderate anemia among women. Women were overweight (30%). Heavy and abnormal menstrual flow was observed, leading to fatigue, palpitation, weakness, Pale face, dizziness, headache, irritability, and brittle nails were observed which significantly reflecting the physical activity and poor lifestyle factors as women had sedentary lifestyles. Most women were vegetarian (44%), consumption of fast food (54%) was high leading to increased fat consumption and poor dietary iron and vitamin C intake. Conclusion- Mean hemoglobin level leading to moderate anemia (8.9-10.4g/dl). Sedentary lifestyle with minimum physical activity makes women overweight. Symptoms can be seen physically. Less Dietary vitamin C leads to less absorption of iron. It can be prevented by taking appropriate cost-effective supplementation and interventions.

Keywords: Iron Deficiency, Anemia, Reproductive age, Symptoms, Nutrient intake.