Abstract
Background Control of iron deficiency disorders is prioritized in the nutrition policies of Nepal. The situation is still threatening the public health in both rural and urban areas. Objective There are limited reviews on the iron deficiency situation in Nepal. This study was undertaken to find out the extent of iron deficiency anemia and intake of dietary iron among the general population in Nepal. Materials and methods Published research articles, books, bulletins, and online materials regarding iron deficiency were studied in both national and international scenarios. Results Nearly 46 percent of children (6–59 months) and 35 percent of women (15–49 years) were still suffering from anemia though the trend has been decreasing for the last 15 years. Mostly, young children (6–23 months) and pregnant women were the victims due to their high iron requirements and lower intake of dietary iron. The most common risk factors related to iron deficiency anemia (IDA) found in different studies were low intake of dietary iron, vitamin A deficiency, hookworm infection, malaria, heavy menstrual blood loss, and multiparity. Iron deficiency situation in the Nepalese population is triggered by Illiteracy, lack of awareness, negligence, poor economy, food insecurity, lack of food diversity, changes in dietary behavior, cultural behaviors, poor health and sanitation, and patriarchal structure of the society. Conclusion The main risk factor of IDA is low intake of dietary iron. There is a need of multiple approaches to address IDA with more focus on dietary iron to reduce anemia.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/nje.v2i2.6573 Nepal Journal of Epidemiology 2012;2(2):182-190
Highlights
Control of iron deficiency disorders is prioritized in the nutrition policies of Nepal
The most common risk factors related to iron deficiency anemia (IDA) found in different studies were low intake of dietary iron, vitamin A deficiency, hookworm infection, malaria, heavy menstrual blood loss, and multiparity
There is a need of multiple approaches to address IDA with more focus on dietary iron to reduce anemia
Summary
Control of iron deficiency disorders is prioritized in the nutrition policies of Nepal. According to the report of the WHO, approximately 60 percent of the pregnant women in developing countries were anemic, and iron deficiency anemia (IDA) was associated with about 20 percent of premature births, low birth weights, and maternal deaths[4]. A recent widespread study in Nepal revealed that nearly half (46.2%) of children aged 6–59 months, two thirds (69%) of young children aged 6–23 months, 35 percent of women aged 15–49 years, and 47.6 percent of pregnant women were found to be anemic[1]. It is a major problem for development, performance, and productivity of the people. This study has aimed at assisting public health professionals, policy makers, and plant breeders to make new strategies for fighting against the iron deficiency problem by reviewing the situation of nearly 20 years of iron deficiency in Nepal
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