Anaemia and Iron studies among women of reproductive age group: A Cross-sectional survey of a Large Cantonment in Western Maharashtra

Background: Anaemia remains a major cause of concern among the women of reproductive age in our country. However, there is a wide variation amongst different socio-economic strata. Aim & Objectives: This study was conducted among women of reproductive age for prevalence of anaemia and its association with certain socio-clinical variables in cantonment. Methods: It was a cross-sectional study. The information regarding socio-demographic variables, anthropometric measurements and clinical parameters were taken. Hemogram and iron profile was done by collecting venous blood from the participants. Results: Data was analyzed for 722 participants. There were 140 (20.2% (95% CI: 17.2 – 23.3)) non-pregnant women of reproductive age-group having anemia. Out of these 140, mild, moderate and severe anaemia was seen in 57(40.7%), 77(55%), 06(4.3) respectively. The major factors associated with anaemia were heavy menstruation and higher parity. Amongst these 140, iron deficiency anaemia was diagnosed in 135 (96.7%). Among the 28 pregnant women, eight were anaemic (28.6: 95% CI 19.1-63.9). Conclusion: The results of our study showed lower prevalence of anaemia than national level and majority of these were iron deficiency anaemia, which is amenable to prevention and treatment