Prevalnce of Anemia and Associated Factors in Jashore District of Bangladesh – A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Anemia is a global public health problem affecting both developing and developed countries with major consequences on human health as well as social and economic development. It occurs at all stages of the life cycle but is more prevalent in pregnant women and young children. Anemia during pregnancy is a major cause of morbidity and mortality of pregnant women in developing countries and has both maternal and fetal consequences. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the prevalence and factors associated with anemia in Bangladeshi human subjects, especially women. Methodology: This cross-sectional survey was held on human subjects (N=528), of which 4% were children (n=27), 27% male (n=141), 33% non-pregnant female (n=173) and 36% pregnant female (n=187). The signs and symptoms of participants were also considered. The study participants for this study were people who were categorized as: children 6-59 months, children 5-11 years, children 12-14 years, men (15 years of age and above), non-pregnant women (15 years of age and above) and female (pregnant). The survey was held on 528 patients of children (27), male (141), non-pregnant female (173) and pregnant female (187). The questionnaire had been developed including the basic information about anemia associated with dietary habits and relevant factors in details. The questionnaire contained seven section: background information, personal information, history of patients, dietary information, signs and symptoms, diagnostic information and pregnancy status for females. Blood samples of the subjects had been tested for percentage value of hemoglobin. Results: The anemic children were affected by thalassemia genetically. Among the people, more than 50% were below 6 months of age. More than 80% of anemic patients had been found suffering from different diseases. Of them, 10% patients suffered from accidental blood loss. Among the female anemic patients, 63% had been habituated with excessive menstrual bleeding. Pregnant women had been found suffering from mild to moderate anemia (characterized by hemoglobin concentration) but non-pregnant had been noticed with moderate anemia. This might be due to the undiagnosed mild anemic condition in non-pregnant female. Almost 65% of pregnant women had children and among them, 58% had previous pregnancy within last 2 years. In our observation, 25% of the anemic pregnant women had previous abortion history and 34% affected by bleeding during pregnancy. The education level was below secondary in 55% of anemic adult patient. Conclusion: Mild to moderate anemia prevails among the study subjects. Their lifestyle modification especially intake of iron rich food and suppliments seem apt in overcoming this crisis.