ANAEMIA AMONG THE ADOLESCENT, NON-PREGNANT AND PREGNANT WOMEN IN THE RURAL NORTHERN BANGLADESH

Abstract

The study investigates the nutritional deficiency resulting in anemia among girls and women in northern Bangladesh. The severity of the anemia problem was measured by observing the anemia patient who visited two Clinics in Dinajpur Sadar Upazila. In a cross-sectional survey of 120 rural non-pregnant pregnant women and adolescents, severe anemia (Hb<7.0 g/dL) was uncommon. Data on socio-demographic and weekly diet diversity was collected by questionnaire survey during May and June 2021 in health care centers randomly among those women and adolescents. The study found that 37.0% suffered moderate anemia (Hb=7.0-9.9g/dl), and 83% sustained mild anemia (Hb=10-12g/dl). When evaluating the effect of iron-rich food consumption on hemoglobin concentration, a difference was found in daily or weekly dose schedules. The study showed that 81.7% of participants suffered from prolonged menstrual bleeding, and the remaining 18.3% didn't. As menorrhagia can cause iron deficiency anemia, differences were found in hemoglobin levels. In the case of the moderate anemic group, the major percentage had prolonged menstrual bleeding and also suffered from dysphagia, glossitis, and cheilitis. Mild anemia is higher in the low monthly household food expenditure group. The findings of the study suggest that socio-economic factors influence anemia.