Rural community based study of Magnitude of Anaemia in Women of Reproductive age

Abstract

Background: Despite several steps taken by governments, anaemia continues to be common, and affects women’s health negatively. Last demographic health survey in India revealed 27% women of 15-49 years age anaemic, so it was decided to look into present status in rural communities. Objective was to know community-based magnitude of anaemia in rural women of reproductive age. Material and Methods: Community based study was conducted for knowing magnitude of anaemia in nonpregnant women of 15 to 49 years. In 28 villages around 75±10 km away from study institute in Central India, as per availability, 1267 women were randomly screened, keeping in mind inclusion and exclusion criteria. After information and request to permit, minimum 25 women per village, who so ever volunteered, fitted in inclusion criteria were screened. Results: Of 1267 women randomly screened 858 (67.72%) were anaemic, 850 mildly or moderately anaemic. Eight (0.6%) severely anaemic, (Hb less than 7 gms/dl) were straight referred to hospital for work up and appropriate management. Others were also advised to get investigations, treatment, not part of study. Maximum burden of anaemia, (68.86%), was in women of 35-49 yrs age, 67.37% among 20-34 yrs old and 65.92% in adolescents, no significant difference in different age groups. Of 1267 screened, 972 (76.7%) were from lower economic status, 280(22.1%) middle economic status only 15(1.2%) from upper economic status, maximum anaemic was out of LES women. Most women with four and more births were anaemic. Parity affected maximum compared to age, economic status and education. Conclusion: Around 70% women of reproductive age without any obvious disorders. were found to be anaemic in rural communities Parity had maximum effect.