Iron deficiency anemia: scenario of pregnant women living at an altitude of >5000 feet in district abbottabad

ABSTRACT

To estimate the frequency of iron deficiency anemia in a sample of population of pregnant women residing permanently at high altitude of > 5000 feet in different areas of district Abbottabad. Cross sectional Study. Northern Institute of Medical Sciences Abbottabad From 17 August 2009 to 15 June 2010. This study was carried out on hundred pregnant women residing permanently at an altitude of > 5000 feet above sea level in district Abbottabad. The age range was fixed to 15-45 [child bearing age] years. Suspected study participants having anemia were tested for iron status by serum ferritin test. Pregnant women having both anemia and iron deficiency were labeled as patients of Iron deficiency anemia. Results: The age range was 15-41 years with a mean of+/ - SD of 28.13 + / - 6.61. All women were of low and middle socioeconomic class with 74% illiteracy. 60% of women had birth spacing of two or less than two years. 64% of pregnant women had three children. Anemia was detected in 74% [X[2] =9.42 p > 0.05], iron deficiency in 66% [X[2] = 14.76 p <0.01] and iron deficiency anemia in 60% [X[2] = 13.56 p < 0.01]. High altitude resident pregnant women remain at high risk of developing iron deficiency anemia because of illiteracy, poverty and ignorance. With adequate nutrition and health education the problem can be addressed effectively