IRON DEFICIENCY ANEMIA:

SCENARIO OF PREGNANT WOMEN LIVING AT AN ALTITUDE OF ≥5000 FEET IN DISTRICT ABBOTTABAD.

Abstract

Objectives: To estimate the frequency of iron deficiency anemia in a sample of population of pregnant women residing
permanently at high altitude of ≥5000 feet in different areas of district Abbottabad. Study Design: Cross sectional Study. Place & duration of
Study: Northern Institute of Medical Sciences Abbottabad: From 17 August 2009 to 15 June 2010. Subjects and Methods: This study was
carried out on hundred pregnant women residing permanently at an altitude of ≥5000 feet above sea level in district Abbottabad. The age
range was fixed to 15-45 (child bearing age ) years. Suspected study participants having anemia were tested for iron status by serum ferritin
test. Pregnant women having both anemia and iron deficiency were labeled as patients of Iron deficiency anemia. Results: The age range was
15-41 years with a mean of + / - SD of 28.13 + / - 6.61. All women were of low and middle socioeconomic class with 74 % illiteracy. 60 % of women
had birth spacing of two or less than two years. 64 % of pregnant women had three children. Anemia was detected in 74 % (X2 =9.42 p > 0.05),
iron deficiency in 66 % (X2 = 14.76 p <0.01) and iron deficiency anemia in 60 % (X2 = 13.56 p < 0.01). Conclusions: High altitude resident
pregnant women remain at high risk of developing iron deficiency anemia because of illiteracy, poverty and ignorance. With adequate nutrition
and health education the problem can be addressed effectively.