Assistant Professor, Dept. of Community Medicine, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Medical College, Bangalore-560045
To study the prevalence of anaemia in women of reproductive age group. To determine change in haemoglobin levels after health education and supplementation of iron and folic acid tablets among women who are anaemic during the study period. To suggest recommendations for improvement of health status in women of reproductive age.
A c ross-sectional study with intervention was done among women of reproductive age group 15–44 years from November 2005 to October 2006. Sample size of 203 was calculated and systematic random sampling done to select the study women. The women were interviewed using pretested proformas and Sahli's method used to estimate haemoglobin. Health education and iron and folic acid tablets were given to women who were anaemic. Repeat haemoglobin was done for those on therapy after 100 days.
Statistical analysis was done using percentages, mean and standard deviation, chi-square, paired and unpaired t tests.
Prevalence of anaemia was 59.61% and decreased to 46.80% after intervention. There was a significant association between occupation and BMI with anaemia. Association between parity and anaemia was highly significant. The mean increase in haemoglobin levels was 1.10 gm/dl in mild anaemia and 1.15 gm/dl in moderate anaemia after intervention.
Prevalence, Anaemia, Iron and folic acid supplementation
