Factors associated with anaemia in a nationally representative sample of nonpregnant women of reproductive age in Nepal

Abstract

We used cross-sectional data from the 2016 Nepal National Micronutrient Status Survey to evaluate factors associated with anaemia among a nationally representative sample of nonpregnant women 15-49 years (n = 1, 918). Haemoglobin, biomarkers of iron status and other micronutrients, infection, inflammation, and blood disorders were assessed from venous blood. Soil-transmitted helminth and Helicobacter pylori infections were assessed from stool. Sociodemographic, household, and health characteristics and diet were ascertained by interview. We conducted bivariate analyses between candidate predictors and anaemia (haemoglobin <12.0 g/ dL, altitude-and smoking-adjusted). Candidate predictors that were significant in bivariate models (P < 0.05) were included in the multivariable logistic regression model, accounting for complex sampling design. Anaemia prevalence was 20.2%

Factors affecting anaemia among women of reproductive age in Nepal: a multilevel and spatial analysis

“…The spatial analysis at the cluster level showed that high hotspots of anaemia were observed in Terai region especially in provinces 1, 2, 5 and Sudurpaschim. These findings are consistent with a previous study, 57 which was based on the analysis of Nepal National Micronutrient Status Survey 2016 and found WRA living in the Terai ecological zone had higher odds of anaemia relative to women living in the Mountain and Hill regions. A possible reason could be that in the Terai region, there is a shortage of safe and adequate drinking water supply and the risks of malaria and hookworm infestations are high.…”

“…62 63 Study based on the Nepal National Micronutrient Status Survey 2016 also found the G6PD and haemoglobinopathies had strong association with anaemia among WRA. 57 The geographical variance of high cases of anaemia across the high Mountainous region could be attributed to food insecurity, low dietary diversity, 12 27 34 less calorie diet, 27 poor health service coverage, 25 high illiteracy, gender based-inequality and poor health-seeking behaviour. 23 24 Sociodemographic characteristic among women and anaemia Women who had no formal education, and those who came from middle socio-economic households, and from younger age group were at increased risk of anaemia.…”

“… 33 A previous study also explained the high burden of anaemia might be due to chronic exposure to arsenic in drinking water. 57 Higher arsenic concentration can inhibit haem iron metabolism and increase erythrocyte hemolysis. 59 Consequently, drinking arsenic-containing water poses an increased risk of anaemia among women.…”

“… 62 63 Study based on the Nepal National Micronutrient Status Survey 2016 also found the G6PD and haemoglobinopathies had strong association with anaemia among WRA. 57 …”

A review of the maternal iron and folic acid supplementation programme in Nepal: Achievements and challenges

“…In this section, we review the data on the trends in maternal anaemia, low birthweight and neonatal and child mortality in Nepal. found that haemoglobinopathies and G6PD deficiency are associated with anaemia in non-pregnant women in Nepal (Ford et al, 2022a).…”