Prevalence of Anemia and Knowledge Regarding Anemia among Reproductive Age Women

Abstract

Anemia is a major health problem throughout the world with an annual prevalence of 400 million. The prevalence rates are higher in developing countries like India, especially affecting toddler, adolescents and women. Further women of child bearing age are more susceptible to have anemia because of various factors. The current study throws a light on the same issue. This descriptive study was conducted to assess the prevalence and knowledge of anemia among women of reproductive age group (15-49years) residing in rural Punjab. 40 reproductive age women of village Abhipur, Mohali, Punjab were randomly selected through lottery method for the study and interviewed with help of self structured validated tool. Feasibility and reliability of the tool was confirmed by conducting pilot study. Collected data was analyzed for descriptive and inferential statistics. The overall prevalence of anemia among women of reproductive age group was found to be 92.5% and about half of subjects were falling with mild (10-11 gm/dl) category of anemia. As per the knowledge part is concerned about 52.5% were having average knowledge regarding anemia (causes, sign & symptoms & treatment).The overall mean score was 6.92. Age, education and working status of the females were found to have statistical significant association with the knowledge score related to anemia.