Anaemia: the neglected female health problem in developing countries

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Hematology
• Reproductive Health

Background:

• Anaemia represents a significant global health challenge for women, particularly in developing countries.
• The condition is exacerbated during and after pregnancy due to increased nutritional demands and insufficient iron intake.
• Parous women (those who have given birth) are disproportionately affected by anaemia.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of anaemia in apparently healthy parous women in Abbottabad.
• To investigate the underlying causes of anaemia in this population.

Main Methods:

• A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted from October 2001 to March 2011.
• Sixteen thousand women aged 20-40 years were included, with a focus on 14,800 parous women.
• Haemoglobin levels were measured using a Sysmex (KX21) haematology analyser, and structured interviews explored potential causes.

Main Results:

• 60% of screened women had anaemia (Haemoglobin < 12 g/dL), with 10% severely anaemic (Haemoglobin < 6 g/dL).
• Anaemia prevalence was significantly lower in women who used iron supplements during pregnancy.
• Lactating mothers with unaddressed iron deficiencies and shorter intervals between pregnancies showed higher rates of persistent anaemia.

Conclusions:

• The prevalence and severity of anaemia in reproductive-age females presenting to surgical units are exceptionally high.
• The findings in Abbottabad suggest a potential rise in anaemia in developing countries.
• Regular iron supplementation before and between pregnancies is crucial for addressing pregnancy-related anaemia and nutritional deficiencies.