Hemoglobin values in adult women of various occupational groups in the community

In 1966 and 1971, the authors studied hemoglobin values of about 2,000 women of 10 different occupational groups and different social classes in the same district. The mean values of hemoglobin and serum iron were highest in nursing students followed by urban housewives and nutritionists and lowest in 3 groups of farm wives and shoe factory laborers. The difference in the mean values of hemoglobin observed among occupational groups was in principle assumed to be due to the difference of frequency in levels of 11-12 g/dl. Hemoglobin levels between 1966 and 1971 tended to improve as a whole and the differences among occupational groups have been reduced. In this study, some kinds of social conditions as well as some physiological factors related to hemoglobin values were investigated. In the same occupational group, unmarried women had a higher level of hemoglobin than married women. Further, married women with infants showed a relatively lower level than those with no infants. This suggests that hemoglobin values of female workers may be significantly influenced not only by work conditions but also by social conditions including family circumstances.