Intake Of Iron-rich Foods Research Articles

Iron-rich food consumption and predictors among children aged 6–59 months old in Ethiopia using 2005–2016 national representative data

Children who do not consume enough iron have decreased growth, reduced immunity, and poor cognitive development. This study aimed to assess the pooled iron-rich food consumption, trends, and predictors among children aged 6–59 months old in Ethiopia. This study used Ethiopian demographic and health survey (EDHS-2005–2016) data with a total weighted sample size of 26,773 among children aged 6–59 months old. A multilevel mixed-effects logistic regression analysis was used to identify predictors of good iron-rich food consumption. The pooled proportion of iron-rich food consumed among children aged 6–59 months in Ethiopia was 11.77% (10.71, 12.92%). In Ethiopia, the proportion of iron-rich food intake by children aged 6–59 months was slightly increased from 9.25% (8.04, 10.62%) in EDHS 2005 to 10.86% (9.06, 12.95%) in EDHS 2011, and sharply increased to 17.49% (15.04, 20.24%) in EDHS 2016. The findings indicated that being children born to mothers aged 20 to 34 years old [AOR = 0.56, 95% CI: 0.35, 0.89], mothers aged ≥ 35 years old [AOR = 0.47, 95% CI: 0.28, 0.82], married parents [AOR = 1.68, 95% CI: 1.14, 2.48], completed primary education [AOR = 1.32, 95% CI: 1.02, 1.73], secondary education [AOR = 2.66, 95% CI: 1.53, 4.59], a higher education status of mother [AOR = 3.98, 95% CI: 1.92, 8.23], medium family [AOR = 1.39, 95% CI: 1.03, 1.89], rich family [AOR = 1.45, 95% CI: 1.09, 1.95], media exposure [AOR = 1.35, 95% CI: 1.06, 1.72], residents of the Tigray [AOR = 2.69, 95% CI: 1.51, 4.79], Oromia [AOR = 3.30, 95% CI: 1.30, 4.02], Benishangul [AOR = 2.12, 95% CI: 1.15, 3.88], Gambela [AOR = 5.85, 95% CI: 2.97, 11.50], and Dire Dawa region [AOR = 3.38, 95% CI: 1.76, 6.47], were significantly associated with good iron-rich food consumption among children aged 6–59 months old. The findings revealed that iron-rich food intake was considerably low among Ethiopian children aged 6–59 months. Increasing women’s literacy and economic empowerment improves iron-rich food consumption among children aged 6–59 months old.

The Association of Dietary Micronutrient Intake and Systemic Inflammation among Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Inflammation contributes to the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes (T2DM). This study sought to document how the systemic biomarkers of inflammation varied based on food choices among patients with T2DM. This cross-sectional study enrolled ambulatory patients with T2DM. Demographic and clinical information was collected. Five drops of fingerstick blood were collected using an absorbent paper device (HemaSpot HFR). C-reactive protein (CRP), serum amyloid A protein (SAA), and fibrinogen were measured using a Luminex assay. Patient-generated 7-day food diaries were analyzed using a validated food processor software. Data were analyzed by Pearson's correlation tests, linear regression and logistic regression with the significance level set at 0.05. Among the 71 participants, 43 (60.6%) were females. The average age and duration of T2DM were 64.1 ± 10.3 and 15.8 ± 9.1 years, respectively. In a simple linear regression run with selected micronutrients, iron [F (1, 53) = 5.319, p < 0.05, adj. R2 = 0.074] significantly predicted plasma CRP. This significance was lost with multiple linear regressions including age, gender, BMI, T2DM duration, T2DM complications, glycohemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) and other micronutrients. The average intake of most micronutrients by the participants was below the recommended daily intake. A higher intake of iron-rich foods was associated with higher levels of systemic inflammation in a simple linear regression model, but the association was not present after adjusting for patient factors like age, gender, BMI and T2DM-related variables. This relationship needs to be explored further given the key role of inflammation in the pathogenesis of T2DM and its associated complications.

The Development and Validation of a Tool to Evaluate the Determinants of Iron-Rich Food Intake among Adolescent Girls of Senegal

To reduce anemia among adolescent girls, factors that influence the consumption of iron-rich foods/IRF have not been investigated, and neither has a tool been developed to assess its determinants. Using the extended version of the theory of planned behaviour/eTPB, this study aims to develop and validate a questionnaire assessing individual and environmental factors that could influence IRF intake among Senegalese adolescent girls aged 10–19 years old. First, eight focus group discussions (FGDs) were held in different regions to identify salient beliefs related to each of the four constructs of the eTPB. Information from FGDs was used to develop a questionnaire that was administered to the first group (n = 200) of girls. Principal component and exploratory factorial analyses were then performed to identify latent factors for each construct. A modified version of the tool was administered to the second sample of girls (n = 400), and confirmatory factorial analyses were conducted. Hancock and Muller’s H reliability index was computed on the final model. Most metrics for fit indices were respected, and the H value was satisfactory. This study proposes a tool that could be used to explore determinants of the consumption of IRF among adolescent girls.

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Anemia in Adolescent Girls in Donggala District, Central Sulawesi

This study aims to assess the prevalence and risk factors of anemia in adolescent girls in Donggala District. It employed an observational analytical study design with a cross-sectional approach. The research was conducted in Senior High Schools (SMA) and Islamic Senior High Schools (Madrasah Aliyah) in Donggala District in May 2023. The sample included 428 respondents. Hemoglobin levels were measured by the laboratory staff of the Central Sulawesi Health Department. Respondents provided data through Kobocollect: https://ee.kobotoolbox.org/x/uZVqfjnh. Respondent characteristics included age, the occupation of both parents, family income, upper arm circumference, hemoglobin levels, body mass index, menstrual status, consumption of iron supplements, anemia education and knowledge, medical conditions, smoking status, physical activity status, and the frequency of iron-rich food intake (fish, eggs, meat, and milk). Data analysis was performed using percentages and RR (95% CI) with SPSS 22.0. Ethical approval was obtained from the Ethics Committee of the Poltekkes Kemenkes Palu with approval number 0016/KEPK-KPK/I/2023, and research permission was granted by the Central Sulawesi Provincial Government, Regional Unity of Community and Political Affairs, with approval number 070/0409/Bid.III-BKBPD/2023. The research results indicated a prevalence of anemia risk among adolescents in Donggala District at 9.8%. Risk factors included upper arm circumference &lt;23.5 cm, a history of kidney disease, limited knowledge of anemia, and infrequent meat consumption. The researchers recommend that adolescents increase their food intake to improve upper arm circumference, manage dietary patterns for those with kidney disease, enhance knowledge about anemia, and increase meat consumption frequency.

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Anemia During Pregnancy in Saudi Arabia: A Systematic Review.

The prevalence of anemia during pregnancy in Saudi Arabia is variable. Nulliparous, multiparous >3, and multi-gravidity are associated risk factors with a higher incidence of anemia during pregnancy. Other risk factors comprised working, women in university, past history of anemia, obesity, women younger than 25 years, low income, longer menstrual cycle >5 days, bleeding during pregnancy, reduced birth spacing, a low level of education, and decreased intake of iron-rich foods.

Prevalence and predictors of iron deficiency anaemia in adolescent girls in India

Background: In India, iron deficiency anaemia is highly prevalent, particularly among women of reproductive age group. Following early childhood, during adolescence, the risk of iron deficiency and anaemia reappears for both boys and girls, but remains more susceptible to girls because of menstrual loss. The aim of this study was to find the prevalence and predictors of iron deficiency anaemia in adolescent girls in India. Methods: This study was a descriptive form of review of literature on data from comprehensive national nutrition survey (CNNS 2016-2018). CNNS was conducted to collect data on the nutritional status of Indian children from 0-19 years of age. The data collection period was from 26 February 2016 to 24 October 2018 and data was collected using individual and household questionnaires. Results: In the study, prevalence of various levels of anaemia (mild, moderate and severe) was higher in adolescent girls as compared to adolescent boys. Adolescent girls had 31.3% iron deficiency whereas adolescent boys had 11.5% iron deficiency. Anaemia prevalence was also higher in the age group 15-19 years as compared to 10-14 years. Conclusions: It was concluded that iron deficiency anaemia was more prevalent in adolescent girls than boys. Inadequate intake of iron rich foods and vitamin C, less knowledge about anaemia, low socio economic conditions along with poor hygiene and sanitation practices are the major factors that contribute to iron deficiency anaemia.

Nutrition Education Improves Knowledge of Iron and Iron-Rich Food Intake Practices among Young Adolescents: A Nonrandomized Controlled Trial.

Nutrition education targeting adolescents' health has the potential to enhance their well-being into adulthood. This study assessed the impact of nutrition education on the knowledge of iron and iron-rich food intake practices of adolescents living in rural communities in Ghana. An intervention study was conducted among 137 adolescents; 69 were assigned to the intervention group and 68 to the control group. Participants and guardians in the intervention group were involved in the nutrition education programme for six months. Participants in both groups completed sociodemographic, knowledge of iron, and iron-rich food intake practice questionnaires at pre- and postintervention. Data were analyzed by chi-square and t-tests. At postintervention, the mean knowledge score (p < 0.05) in the intervention group and control group was 5.3 ± 1.7 and 3.9 ± 1.9, respectively. Interventions (76%) and controls (46%) had good knowledge status. The mean knowledge score of participants with good knowledge status in the intervention group was 6.1 ± 0.8 (p < 0.05), and the control group was 5.6 ± 0.7 (p < 0.05). Forty-two percent of participants in the interventions and 26% in the controls had good food intake status. Participants with good food intake status had mean food intake scores of 3.2 ± 0.4 (p < 0.05) and 3.8 ± 0.7 (p < 0.05) for the intervention and control groups, respectively. Both groups increased and had the same mean food intake score (1.5 ± 1.4, p > 0.05), however, relatively higher in the intervention group. Nutrition education improved the knowledge of iron and iron-rich food intake practices of participants in the intervention group compared to the control group. Nutrition education should be a critical component in the management and prevention of micronutrient deficiency in adolescents.

Prevalence and associated factors for iron deficiency anemia among pregnant women in Fuyang, China

ABSTRACT Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) in pregnant women was associated with increased risks of both maternal and neonatal adverse outcomes. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of IDA and identify the associated factors of IDA among pregnancy woman in Fuyang, China. The cross-sectional study was carried out in 789 pregnant women using simple random sampling method living in Fuyang, China from August 2017 to May 2018. Overall, the prevalence of IDA was 39.8%. 1-unit increment in maternal age was associated with a 5% increased risk of IDA, and 1-unit increased in BMI was associated with a 6% decreased risk of IDA (all P < .01). When compared with exercise for <30 minutes, 30–60 minutes of daily exercise was associated with a lower risk of IDA (P = .02). Similarly, when compared with a low frequency intake of iron-rich food, intake≥once/week was associated with a lower risk of IDA (P < .0001). However, vitamin C-rich food intake ≥twice/day was associated with a higher risk of IDA (P = .01) and a normal or bad appetite increased the risk of IDA when compared with a good appetite (P < .01). Our findings suggested that high frequency of iron-rich food intake, good appetite, and moderate physical activity were important for the prevention of IDA during pregnancy.

Acceptability of Modified Onion Stick with Mocaf and Moringa Leaf Flour as Functional Food for Anemic Adolescent Girls

Adolescent girls tend to be at greater risk of developing anemia compared to adolescent boys. The background is because adolescent girls have menstruation every month, but it is not accompanied by the addition of iron-rich food intake. In an effort to meet the iron needs of them, it can be done by utilizing local food products, such as mocaf flour, and moringa leaf flour. This study aims to analyze the acceptance of onion stick that have been modified into three treatments. The research design was Completely Randomized Design (CRD), using three treatments, with a comparison of mocaf flour and moringa leaf flour, namely A1 (40:4), A2 (45:5), A3 (50:6). The data were analyzed by the Kruskal Wallis statistical test, then further analyzed by the Mann-Whitney test to see whether there was a difference. The results of the organoleptic test assessment showed that there were significant differences in the parameters of color (p = 0.001), aroma (p = 0.017), taste (p = 0.000) and texture (p = 0.003) of onion stick A1, A2, and A3, the results of the Mann Whitney test showed that the A1 formula was significantly different from the A2 and A3 formulas (p<0.05). In conclusion, the onion sticks formula A1 has the best acceptability, making it possible to conduct further research on the nutritional content and its effect on the hemoglobin level of anemic adolescent girls.

Hemoglobin life-threatening value (1.9\u2009g/dl) in good general condition: a pediatric case-report

BackgroundWe report a pediatric patient presenting in good general condition despite a hemoglobin value of 1,9 g/dL, which is normally regarded as life-threatening.Case presentationAn African 5 years-old girl presented to our Emergency Department (ED) for worsening asthenia, within a clinical picture of good general condition. The hemoglobin value at admission was 1,9 g/dL. The subsequent diagnostic-therapeutic pathway highlighted the presence of two different causes, both well known to be responsible for chronic anemia (with slow reduction of hemoglobin values): iron deficiency anemia (IDA) due to a very low dietary intake of iron-rich foods, and homozygous sickle cell disease (HbSS). She received transfusions of packed red blood cells (overall 15 ml/kg) and subsequently intravenous iron preparations (total amount 200 mg) followed by oral iron supplements. The Hb value at discharge, 10 days after the admission, was 9.8 g/dL.ConclusionsWhen approaching a picture of severe anemia, we suggest pediatricians take into consideration clinical conditions rather than laboratory values and to take advantage of detailed anamnestic data in order to make the diagnosis.

Hepcidin-regulating iron metabolism genes and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma: a pathway analysis of genome-wide association studies

Epidemiological studies have suggested positive associations for iron and red meat intake with risk of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Inherited pathogenic variants in genes involved in the hepcidin-regulating iron metabolism pathway are known to cause iron overload and hemochromatosis. The objective of this study was to determine whether common genetic variation in the hepcidin-regulating iron metabolism pathway is associated with PDAC. We conducted a pathway analysis of the hepcidin-regulating genes using single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) summary statistics generated from 4 genome-wide association studies in 2 large consortium studies using the summary data-based adaptive rank truncated product method. Our population consisted of 9253 PDAC cases and 12,525 controls of European descent. Our analysis included 11 hepcidin-regulating genes [bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2), bone morphogenetic protein 6 (BMP6), ferritin heavy chain 1 (FTH1), ferritin light chain (FTL), hepcidin (HAMP), homeostatic iron regulator (HFE), hemojuvelin (HJV), nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2), ferroportin 1 (SLC40A1), transferrin receptor 1 (TFR1), and transferrin receptor 2 (TFR2)] and their surrounding genomic regions (±20 kb) for a total of 412 SNPs. The hepcidin-regulating gene pathway was significantly associated with PDAC (P=0.002), with the HJV, TFR2, TFR1, BMP6, and HAMP genes contributing the most to the association. Our results support that genetic susceptibility related to the hepcidin-regulating gene pathway is associated with PDAC risk and suggest a potential role of iron metabolism in pancreatic carcinogenesis. Further studies are needed to evaluate effect modification by intake of iron-rich foods on this association.

The Relationship between Iron Intake and Anemia in Elementary School Children in the Working Area of the Air Beliti Public Health Center, Musi Rawas Regency

Anemia is a health problem that often occurs in school-age children. Low iron intake is the most common cause of anemia in children. Anemia has an impact on physical growth disorders and decreased body resistance. The purpose of this study was to analyze the relationship between iron intake and the incidence of anemia in schoolchildren. This research is an analytic observational study with a cross-sectional design. The Hb examination was carried out to find out the anemia while the iron intake data was assessed by observation on a 24-hour dietary recall. The sample in this study was 80 elementary school children, with a simple random sampling method at five schools in the working area of Air Beliti Public Health Center. The HB examination result showed that 51.2% of respondents had anemia, while the dietary recall showed that 26.2% of children had insufficient iron intake. The statistical test showed that 81.0% of children with insufficient iron intake suffered from anemia. There was a significant relationship between iron intake and the incidence of anemia in elementary school-aged children in the working area of Air Beliti Public Health Center, Musi Rawas Regency (p=0,004; OR=6.198). Based on the results of the study, it can be concluded that there is a significant relationship between iron intake and the incidence of anemia in schoolchildren. Children with low iron intake are 6.198 times more likely to suffer from anemia. Therefore, it is recommended for parents to maintain a balanced nutritional and iron-rich food intake to prevent the incidence of anemia in children. As for the public health center to improve health education and socialization for parents regarding balanced nutrition and foods containing iron for schoolchildren.

The prevalence of anemia and iron deficiency among pregnant Ghanaian women, a longitudinal study.

BackgroundGestational iron deficiency (ID) can be deleterious to mother and fetus. However, iron status is not routinely measured during pregnancy in Ghana. Therefore, the scope of ID in this population is unknown.ObjectiveTo determine the prevalence of anemia and ID across pregnancy in the Central Region of Ghana.MethodsWomen were recruited during their 1st trimester of pregnancy (< 13 weeks; n = 116) and followed through to their 2nd (n = 71) and 3rd (n = 71) trimesters. Data on socio-demographic variables, weekly intake of iron-rich foods and vitamin C-rich fruits were collected. Blood samples were drawn and the concentrations of hemoglobin (Hb), ferritin (Ft), serum iron (sFe), total iron binding capacity (TIBC), were measured; transferrin saturation (TSAT) was calculated. Repeated measures ANOVA was used to determine change in anemia and iron variables over time with groups categorized by 1st trimester iron status.ResultsParticipants were 27.1 ± 5.2 years, on average. Prevalence of anemia (Hb <11.0 g/dL) was 37%, 63%, 58%; ID (Ft <15 μg/L) was 16%, 20%, 38%; and iron deficiency anemia (IDA; based on low Ft and Hb) was 6%, 12%, 25% in 1st, 2nd and 3rd trimesters, respectively. Significant changes in Hb, Ft and TIBC occurred across time. Iron status at 1st trimester had a significant effect on 2nd but not 3rd trimester iron status.ConclusionsID is prevalent in pregnant Ghanaian women, especially during the 3rd trimester. Anemia is a major public health problem during pregnancy in Ghana with a significant proportion due to factors other than ID.

Iron-Rich Foods Intakes among Urban Senegalese Adolescent Girls

Intake of iron-rich foods was investigated in Senegalese adolescent girls. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 136 girls aged 13 to 18, attending two colleges in Dakar. Data on the consumption of iron-rich foods over the previous week were collected through a food frequency questionnaire. Results show that 12% of the girls had consumed dishes made with iron-rich foods 3 times or less in the past seven days, 34%, 4 to 6 times, and 54%, 7 times and above. However, 83% of the girls had anntake of iron-rich foods below the 84 g per day recommended for animal protein sources by the EAT-Lancet Commission on Healthy Diets from Sustainable Food Systems. The diet of Senegalese adolescent girls seems conducive to iron deficiency. To define effective interventions to improve the situation, investigating underlying factors to the low consumption of iron-rich foods is warranted.

How gender norms affect anemia in select villages in rural Odisha, India: A qualitative study

BackgroundIn India, 50% of women of reproductive age, compared with 23% of men, have iron deficiency anemia. Extant research focuses on biological, not social, determinants of this disparity. ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to examine how gender norms may affect anemia prevalence among women in rural India. MethodsWe conducted 16 focus group discussions (N = 124) with women of reproductive age, husbands, and mothers-in-law and 25 key informant interviews in four villages in Odisha, India. ResultsWe identified the following themes that help explain how inequitable gender norms exacerbate anemia among women from different castes and tribes:Due to a double burden of work outside the home and completing the majority of unpaid work in the home, women lack time to visit health centers to get tested for anemia and to obtain iron supplements.Women are expected to prioritize the health of their family over their own, thus affecting their access to health care.Women's autonomy to leave the house to seek health care is limited.Men are the primary breadwinners for the family, but often spend their money on alcohol, rather than on iron-rich food for the household.Intra-household food allocation favors men, in-laws, and children, thus women serve their family first, often being left with little food. ConclusionAnemia reduction interventions need to include examination of the whole social context to successfully increase iron supplement use and iron-rich food intake. Understanding how gender norms contribute to anemia could change the narrative from a biomedical to a social justice issue.

Nutrition Knowledge is Associated With the Consumption of Iron Rich Foods: A Survey Among Pregnant Women From a Rural District in Northern Ghana

Introduction:Iron deficiency anaemia is an international public health concern and pregnant women are at an increased risk. We investigated the consumption of iron rich foods and associated factors among pregnant women in a rural district from Ghana.Methods:Following a cross-sectional design, dietary intake of iron rich foods was obtained from 252 pregnant women using a 24-hour recall food check list. Nutrition knowledge, attitudes and socio-demographic characteristics were also assessed.Findings:Participants had a mean (SD) knowledge score of 54.66 (22.74)%. About 73% of the participants had heard about iron-deficiency anaemia. Only 16.3% of the participants knew foods that help the body to absorb and use iron while 9.1% knew beverages that decrease iron absorption. About 71% of the participants ate fish and/or seafood while 67.1% of them ate green leafy vegetables. Only 4.4% of the participants ate organ meat, and 29% took flesh meat. Only 22.4% of the study participants usually drank coffee or tea while 78.2% ate vitamin C-rich foods. With regards to attitudes, 88.5% of the participants perceived anaemia to be a serious disease. Nutrition knowledge was significantly associated with the consumption of iron rich foods (β = .02; 95% CI = 0.01-0.02).Conclusion:Nutrition knowledge may be an important determinant of the consumption of iron rich foods among pregnant women making it necessary for healthcare providers to continue to provide nutrition education to pregnant women during routine antenatal care.

Association between Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF) Indicators and the Nutritional Status of Children (6-23 Months) in Northern Ghana.

Although recommended infant and young child feeding (IYCF) practices have been found to be protective against undernutrition in some settings, there is no finality yet due to inconsistencies in the literature. A cross-sectional survey of 581 mother-child pairs was conducted in northern Ghana in June 2018. The association between IYCF indicators and child undernutrition (stunting and wasting) were assessed. The descriptive analysis showed that 66.4% of the children (6–23 months) were introduced to complementary feeding in a timely manner, 69.4% met the minimum meal frequency, and 38.9% met the minimum acceptable diet daily. The prevalence of stunting, wasting, underweight and overweight was 33.2%, 14.1%, 27% and 2.6%, respectively. From the multivariable binary logistic regression, child gender, child age group and source of power for lighting the household were significantly associated with wasting. Intake of iron-rich foods, child age group, and maternal height were significantly associated with stunting after adjusting for confounders. The prevalence of the compliance with IYCF indicators was relatively high. None of the individual IYCF indicators showed significant association with undernutrition, except intake of iron-rich foods for stunting. Nutrition-specific interventions targeted at improving IYCF practices, dietary diversification and intake of nutrient-rich meals, should be adopted and scaled up to address undernutrition in northern Ghana.

Feeding practices for toddlers with stunting in Jakarta: A case study.

Stunting represents a child’s failure to thrive. On the basis of the World Health Organization child growth standards, stunting is a height of <−2 SD of the z-score for the child’s age. There are several major causes of stunting. One is the inability to optimize child feeding practices. The aim of this study was to explore the feeding practices that lead to stunting in toddlers in Jakarta. The participants in this study were 15 mothers. Content analysis was the method that was chosen for this study. The data analysis revealed four themes that describe the feeding practices for toddlers with stunting in Jakarta: i) mothers providing instant porridge and ready-to-serve steamed chicken rice; ii) a feeding frequency of small portions only 2-3 times per day; iii) a lack of diet diversity; and iv) the suboptimal intake of iron-rich foods. The provision of effective education about appropriate feeding practices to pregnant women and mothers with toddlers is expected to reduce the incidence of stunting in Indonesia.

A cross-sectional study on prevalence and determinants of anemia among women of reproductive age in a rural community of West Bengal.

Context:Anemia is a serious public health concern especially in women of reproductive age (WRA) as it causes a high burden of morbidity and mortality and persists through intergenerational cycle. As most of the risk factors are preventable, a thorough understanding of its risk factors is necessary to design better interventions.Aims:Current study aimed to estimate the burden of anemia as well as explore determinants of various grades of anemia among WRA in a rural area.Settings and Design:A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among non-pregnant, non-lactating women of reproductive age in rural field practice area of All India Institute of Hygiene and Public Health.Methods and Materials:House to house visit was conducted for interviewing with pre-designed pre-tested questionnaire along with blood hemoglobin and anthropometric measurement.Statistical Analysis Used:Descriptive statistics and test of significance like multinomial logistic regression and Kruskal-Wallis test (with post-hoc) were used.Results:Majority (70.8%) of participants were anemic. Proportion of mild, moderate, and severe anemia were 24.16%, 37.5%, and 9.16%, respectively. Different levels of anemia were significantly associated with higher age, lower education, poor iron-rich food intake, lack of dietary diversity, and adiposity. Significantly low hemoglobin level in both underweight and obesity was noticed suggesting U shaped relationship between BMI and anemia.Conclusion:Periodic screening for anemia among WRA especially in both extremes of malnutrition, i.e., undernutrition and obesity should be considered at the policy level. Year-round behaviour change communication campaigns must be carried out for the promotion of necessary food groups in diet.

Anaemia among adolescent girls in three districts in Ethiopia

BackgroundAdolescence is characterized by rapid growth and development with a significantly increased need for macro and micronutrients. However, there is little empirical evidence on the burden of anaemia among adolescent girls in developing countries such as Ethiopia. This study aims to address this gap by evaluating the magnitude of anaemia with an aim to guide design of intervention modalities to address anaemia among adolescent girls.MethodsThe study employed a community based cross sectional design. The study was conducted on weekends to capture both in school and out of school adolescent girls. Data was collected from a total 1323 adolescent girls. From each district, we randomly selected villages and ensured that the sampled households had a range geographical spread (lowlands, highlands) within the larger category of rural and urban. We performed anaemia testing using HemoCue B-Haemoglobin analyser. We applied a complex survey data analysis method to estimate the level of anaemia. The hemoglobin level was adjusted for altitude and smoking status. We ran a logistic regression model to evaluate predictors of anaemia.ResultsThe overall anaemia prevalence ranged from 24 to 38%, with an average rate of 29%. Less than half of the girls heard the term anaemia, and about one third knew the relationship between anaemia and the intake of iron rich foods. The risk of anaemia is higher among adolescent girls in their early adolescence period (10–14 years) (Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR); 1.98; 95% CI; 1.03, 3.82] and among adolescent girls who lived in moderately food insecure households (AOR 1.48; 95% CI; 1.05–2.09). However, knowing the term “anaemia” was found to be protective against the risk of anaemia.ConclusionsThe risk of anaemia was particularly high among adolescent girls in their early age and among those living in food insecure households. The prevalence of anaemia among adolescent girls is a moderate public health problem. According to the WHO set criteria, the districts could be candidates for intermittent iron and Folic acid supplementation program.