[Assessment of body mass index and its relationship with iron status indices among women in rural areas of Kerman province, Iran]

ABSTRACT

Prevalence of obesity has increased steadily and markedly in both Westernized and non-Westernized countries. Few studies have examined the relationship of anthropometric indices with iron status indices. The objective of the present study was to assess the body mass index [BMI] status and its relationship with iron status indices among reproductive age group women in rural areas of Kerman province, Iran. In this cross-sectional study, 370 reproductive age group women [20-45 years old] were selected. General information data were gathered from each person using questionnaires and face-to-face interviews. Body weight and height was measured for each subject and BMI was calculated. Venous blood samples were drawn from subjects and plasma separated. In the study, iron status was assessed by measuring the concentrations of hemoglobin, plasma ferritin and hematocrit. Data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance [ANOVA] and pearson's correlation coefficient tests. The mean BMI of subjects was 24.3 Kg/m[2]. 19.7% and 15.9% of subjects were overweight and obese respectively. Mean BMI significantly increased with age [p<0.0001] and number of pregnancy [p<0.002]. Furthermore, BMI was positively associated with age [r =0.32, p<0.0001] and number of pregnancy [r = 0.26, p<0.003]. Mean hemoglobin and plasma ferritin concentrations were significantly greater in higher weight and BMI quartiles. The hematocrit was also significantly greater in higher BMI quartiles. From these observations, it is concluded that obesity and overweight are important nutritional problems in rural women in Kerman province. In addition, obese women had higher iron stores than did the non-obese women. Therefore, obese reproductive age women are at low risk of depleting iron stores