Non-iron Deficiency Anemia in Rural Indian Women: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

IntroductionAnemia is an important public health concern, affecting almost 25% of the global population. In India, these statistics are even more worrisome with more than half of the children, non-pregnant and pregnant women being affected by the disease. Though the major cause of anemia is iron deficiency, other causes cannot be neglected considering the magnitude of the problem. The present study was designed to estimate the prevalence of non-iron deficiency anemia (NIDA) in Devbhoomi Dwarka District of Gujarat. MethodsFor this cross-sectional study, total of 258 mothers (antenatal and postnatal) were enrolled from 27 primary health centers. Apart from demographic details and obstetric history, hemoglobin and ferritin levels were measured from the participant's blood after obtaining consent. Clinical information such as the history of recent illness and fever were also noted through questionnaires. Prevalence was anemia was calculated using a standard threshold of blood hemoglobin and NIDM was defined using ferritin levels. ResultsAs per hemoglobin levels, anemia was present in 65.9% of the mothers, which was relatively higher in antenatal women (90%) as compared to postnatal women (57%). Ferritin levels showed that out of this total anemic mothers, 61.8% (105/258) have normal ferritin levels indicating the presence of non-iron deficiency. Trimester-wise analysis of anemia in AN showed that NIDM prevalence increases with increasing trimester in contrast to IDA where a considerable reduction was found with iron supplementation. ConclusionThe study indicated that two out of every three women were anemic and only one out of four were anemic with depleted iron storage. These findings have important policy implications as in India the anemia control programs address only iron deficiency anemia and not NIDA. The development of a framework for diagnosis and appropriate treatment can be recommended for integration into national guidelines.

An Assessment of the Nutritional Status and its Predictors amongst Women in a Rural Community of Dharwad Taluk, Karnataka, India

“…Iron deficiency Anemia (IDA) is very late manifestation of iron deficiency because iron deficiency is very well tolerated Anemia does not develop till storage iron is exhausted. Saha [24] conducted cross-sectional study on non-iron deficiency anemia in rural Indian women. Results revealed that two out of every three women are anemic; one out of four were anemic with depleted iron storage.…”

Household Wealth Gradient in Low Birthweight in India: A Cross-Sectional Analysis

“…Pregnant women who are malnourished may suffer from deficiencies (such as low iron levels) that can lead to anemia or other complications for both themselves and their unborn children [17]. Previous studies have shown that anemia is a major public health concern in India, with about 53.2% of non-pregnant women and 50.4% of pregnant women being affected by the condition [18]. Anemic pregnant women may experience fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath, which can make it more challenging for them to carry out daily activities or engage in exercise.…”