Anemia and obesity coexist among women of reproductive age in north west of Morocco

Abstract

Morocco like several developing countries is undergoing a nutritional transition characterized by the coexistence of nutritional deficiencies and diseases of overweight within the same household. The aim of this work was to determine the prevalence of anemia and overweight (overweight and obesity) among women of reproductive age in two sentinel centers, one rural and one urban area Kenitra. A sample of 128 women was recruited during their visit to the immunization of their preschool children at the health centers. Anthropometric measures and evaluation of hemoglobin were done under the supervision of the medical team of the health center. Women responded to a questionnaire on their demographic and socioeconomic characteristics. The mean age and standard deviation was 28.37 ± 6.91 with a minimum of 15 and a maximum of 50 years. Body mass index average was 25.83 ± 6.15 kg/m2 and the average hemoglobin was 11.43 ± 1.5 g/dl. According to standard threshold of more than 30 kg/m2 and less than 12 mg/dl, respectively, for BMI and hemoglobin, the results show rates of overweight or obesity in 56 % of subjects with a strict obesity prevalence of 15.6 %. Anemia reached a high rate of 60 %. The prevalence of anemia is very high compared with the values of national surveys. Obesity is strongly associated with age. Indeed, older women are at increased risk especially if they have a high number of siblings. The nutrition transition looks serious in the study area. Nutrition education and awareness for physical activity are needed. On the other hand, the strategies against iron deficiency and anemia should identify at-risk populations and advocate a more aggressive nutrition communication.