PREVALENCE OF IRON-DEFICINECY ANEMIA AMONG MOTHERS LIVING IN RURAL AREAS AND SOME FACTORS AFFECTING IT

Abstract

This survey was a cross-sectional and descriptive-analytical study. It was carried out in September 1994. A total of 539 child-bearing non-pregnant women (aged 16-53y) were chosen by the two-stage cluster sampling method. Data were collected through pre-tested questionnaires and the 24-hour dietary recall method. Anthropometric measurements were also made and blood specimens were collected. The results showed that 8.1% and 31.8% of the mothers were anaemic. Stepwise multiple-regression analyses showed positive significant correlations between haemoglobin (Hb) and age at marriage (P<0.05) or body mass index (P<0.04), number of rooms per person and TIBC(P<0.02), age at marriage and transferin saturation (Ts) (P<0.04), and between animal iron intake and hematocrit (P<0.04). Negative significant correlations were found between age at first pregnancy and Hb(P<0.03), number of rooms per person with (Ts)(P<0.03), and between animal iron intake and MCHC(P<0.04). The strongest correlation was between age at marriage and Hb. It can be concluded that causes of iron-deficiency anaemia in rural areas of Khorram-abad city are related to cultural, economic and social factors, and also food consumption patterns.