ABSTRACT
Background Health authorities in Pakistan in collaboration with local and foreign non-government organizations are working hard to achieve the targets set by World Health Organization in 2012, that is, to reduce anemia prevalence and its related factors. However, due to the prevailing COVID-19 crisis, all resources and attention were diverted toward it, which led to ignorance of existing basic health issues. Objective This study assesses anemia prevalence and its related factors among women of childbearing age in the period of global pandemic. Methods A time-lagged, cross-sectional survey was conducted using a self-administered questionnaire among 1,702 volunteer women aged between 15 and 49 years across five major cities of Pakistan from January 2021 to December 2021 using the non-probability consecutive sampling technique. Blood sample results were analyzed to determine prevalence and anemia severity. The chi-squared test and multiple logistic regression were performed to examine the relationship and effect of related factors with hemoglobin levels using SPSS version 26. Results Among the 1,702 respondents, 788 (46.3%) were non-anemic and 914 (53.7%) were anemic. Anemia prevalence in Karachi was slightly greater (n=294, 55.48%) compared to other cities, and the mean hemoglobin level was 11.98 ± 0.92 g/dL. The chi-square test and multiple logistic regression indicated that the respondents' employment status, mother's profession, family income, living conditions, chronic health conditions, use of iron and folic acid supplements, junk food, source of drinking water, and knowledge about anemia and its preventive measures were associated significantly with anemia during the pandemic. Conclusion Results confirmed that anemia is a multi-factor health problem and that it was totally ignored during the COVID-19 pandemic, as the prevalence increased during the pandemic. Therefore, more attention should be paid to anemia surveillance, anemia awareness programs, and mobilization of community health workers and volunteers to reach a wide range of the population, including women of childbearing age even during the pandemic.
ABSTRACT
Background and aim Chronic patients with thalassemia major were mainly recognized as more prone to poor mental health during this global pandemic. This study aims to evaluate causal relationships leading to poor outcomes and how they manage to tackle this. Methods In-depth face-to-face semi-structured interviews were conducted with 21 thalassemia patients selected through probability consecutive sampling from Pakistan Thalassemia Welfare Society Centers. The following criteria served as the basis for the interview: (1) solitude at home, (2) interruption of transfusion services, (3) alteration of appetite and interests, (4) lack of control and uncertainty, (5) extensive media coverage, (6) deterioration of pre-existing health issues, difficulty in sleeping, (7) practicing gratitude, (8) participation in activities and hobbies, (9) connectivity with others, and (10) ability to recognize social support. All interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed with reflexive thematic analysis. Results The commonly described mental health conditions were depression and concern about the overall health status. The following seven elements associated with the pandemic contributed to the deterioration of mental health: (1) isolation at home, (2) disruption in transfusion services, (3) change in appetite and interests, (4) lack of control and uncertainty, (5) intensive media reporting, (6) worsening of pre-existing health problems, and (7) difficulty in sleeping. The following four coping strategies were identified for maintaining mental issues: (1) practicing gratitude, (2) involvement in activities and hobbies, (3) connectivity with others, and (4) discerning social support. Conclusions Thalassemia major patients had been negatively affected during the pandemic. Only a small number of people modified their management techniques to maintain steady well-being.