[Iron deficiency anemia and some associated factors in childbearing age women in Guilan province]

ABSTRACT

Iron deficiency anemia [IDA] is the commonest disorder due to malnutrition, and is an important health problem. This research determines IDA prevalence and some associated factors in childbearing age [CBA] and non-childbearing age women in Guilan. Sample; comprised of 995 CBA women [15-49 years], selected in a multistage cluster-random sampling from the population mentioned. Data materials included a questionnaire, and blood examinations, and statistical analysis was performed by means of paired t-test. Anemia prevalence was 11.1%, IDA 7.6%, which was similar in both the urban and rural population, and showed significant correlation with parity [P<0.0l] and age [P<0.0001]. Ferrous sulfate has significant effect to increase hemoglobin in IDA subjects. IDA prevalence in Guilan is less than previous estimates, and Ferrous sulfate administration is effective in increasing hemoglobin levels