Prevalence and determinants of iron deficiency anemia among non-pregnant women of reproductive age in Pakistan

Muhammad Atif Habib ； Camille Raynes-Greenow ； Sajid Bashir Soofi ； Noshad Ali ； Sidrah Nausheen ； Imran Ahmed ； Zulfiqar Ahmed Bhutta ； Kirsten I Black

《Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition》 預刊文章 Pp. 1-20

https://doi.org/10.6133/apjcn.042017.14

摘要

Background and Objectives: Iron deficiency Anemia (IDA) in women of reproductive age is a recognized public health concern that impairs health and well-being in women and is associated with adverse reproductive outcomes. In Pakistan there is a dearth of up-to-date information on the prevalence and predictors of IDA. This study sought to investigate IDA in women using data from a nationally representative cross-sectional nutrition survey. Methods and Study Design: Secondary analysis was performed using the National Nutrition Survey in Pakistan 2011- 2012. We used a pre-structured instrument to collect socio demographic, reproductive and nutritional data on women. We also collected anthropometric measurements and blood samples for micronutrient deficiencies. Data analyses were performed by applying univariate and multivariate techniques using logistic regression. Results: A total of 7491 non-pregnant women aged between 15-49 years were included in the analysis. The prevalence of IDA was 18.1%. In the multivariate regression analysis; not using iron folic acid supplementation during the last pregnancy AOR (95% CI) 1.31 (1.05, 1.64), a history of four or more pregnancies AOR (95% CI) 1.30 (1.04, 1.60), birth interval of ＜24 months AOR (95% CI) 1.27 (1.06, 1.71), household food insecurity AOR (95% CI) 1.42 (1.23, 1.63) and presence of clinical anemia AOR (95% CI) 5.82 (4.82, 7.02) were significantly associated with increased odds of IDA while with obesity AOR (95% CI) 0.60 (0.4, 0.88) showed a protective effect on IDA. Conclusion: The prevalence of IDA amongst Pakistani women represents a moderate burden of IDA and is most prevalent amongst women who are not taking iron folic acid supplementation, having multiple pregnancies and short birth intervals and those living in areas of food insecurity. To reduce IDA in Pakistani women, the country needs a multifaceted approach that incorporates iron supplementation, food fortification, improved family planning services and efforts to reduce food insecurity.

關鍵字

iron deficiency anemia ； non pregnant women ； prevalence ； predictors ； nationally representative data