Persisting high magnitude of anaemia in Women of Reproductive age

Abstract

Background: Despite several steps taken by governments, anaemia remains a major cause of ill health in women globally, maybe it is increasing. Objectives: Study was done to know magnitude of anaemia in women of reproductive age (WRA, 15-49 yrs) with mission of services. Materials and Methods: It was institution based prospective study for knowing magnitude of anaemia in WRA. Study was carried out over 9 months in Obstetrics & Gynaecology, after approval of ethics committee of institute. Study subjects were non-pregnant women of 15-49 years of age who reported to hospital with various disorders, but did not have any disorder which could have been responsible for anaemia. Patients’ friends, relatives who volunteered to be part of study were also included. Women with known bleeding disorders, or obvious causes for anaemia like menorrhagia, piles, chronic diseases were not included. Pretested tool was used. As per inclusion criteria women from regular counter of obstetrics gynaecology outpatient. were directed to research assistant. Results: Adolescents had maximum burden of anaemia, 76.15%, followed by 69.45% among women of 20-34 yrs, 65.21% in women of 35-49 yrs age. Severely anaemic were 2.02% among adolescents, 0.44% of 20-34 years ,0.27% among of 35-49 yrs. As expected, highest numbers were amongst women of low socio-economic class and illiterate. Conclusion: Around seventy percent women of reproductive age with no obvious cause were anaemic, more of adolescents. It is essential that in depth studies are done about available food, eating habits, as anaemia continues to kill many mothers during pregnancy, birth, postbirth and affects baby too. Keywords: Anaemia; Reproductive Age Women; No Obvious Cause