Side effects of alternative iron supplementation: a pilot study

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Hematology
• Nursing Interventions

Background:

• Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is a prevalent health issue, particularly affecting women.
• Homeless women represent a vulnerable population at high risk for IDA.
• Effective interventions are needed to manage IDA in underserved communities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of an intervention combining home visits by a nurse and alternate iron supplementation for women with IDA.
• To assess changes in hematocrit levels and the incidence of side effects.

Main Methods:

• A longitudinal study involving ten African-American homeless women in transitional housing.
• Participants received weekly and monthly nurse home visits over a three-month period.
• Encouraged daily intake of alternate iron supplements.

Main Results:

• Significant increase in hematocrit values from baseline to three months (p < .0001).
• Significant decrease in reported fatigue from baseline to three months (p = .015).
• Minimal gastrointestinal side effects reported, with constipation occurring infrequently.

Conclusions:

• Nurse-led home visits combined with alternate iron supplements are effective in improving hematocrit levels and reducing fatigue in homeless women with IDA.
• The intervention demonstrates a favorable safety profile with low incidence of adverse effects.
• This model holds promise for broader application in populations susceptible to anemia and constipation, such as the elderly and pregnant women.