The Impact Of Nutrition, Health And Hygiene - Counseling On Iron Deficiency Anemia In Women

The most common physiological derailment in a life span of a woman is anemia. Anemia

is defined as the "reduction in absolute number of circulating red blood cells (RBC)s,

indirectly measured by a reduction in hemoglobin (Hb) concentration, hematocrit (Hct)

or RBC count".

An estimated of about 25% of the world's population is anemic [1]. Anemia

prevalence continues to be highest in low and middle income countries (LMIC) of the

world the high income countries (HIC) where other forms of nutrient deficient disease

have been eradicated are not free from anemia [2,3,4]. Approximately 40% of non

pregnant fertile women have less iron reserve [5].Anemia is commonly high in pregnant

and non pregnant women/ girls and preschoolers with global rates of 42%, 30% and 47%

respectively [1]. Thus it can be observed that anemia is among the one of the most

widespread public health issues in the world.

Although other nutritional deficiencies contribute to anemia including vitamin A,

riboflavin, folic acid and vitamin B12, iron deficiency is the most prevalent cause of

anemia [6]. An estimated half of anemic cases is attributable to iron deficiency and as a

result the terms anemia and iron deficiency anemia are often used interchangeably [1].

The main causes of iron deficiency anemia include low intake of iron, poor

bioavailability of dietary iron, and blood loss due to worm infection transmitted usually

from fecal-oral route or by feet from contaminated soil, which are all results of poor

hygiene practices. Blood volume expansion and fetal requirements increase the risk of

iron deficiency anemia during pregnancy. In addition to iron deficiency, parasitic and

other infections contribute to anemia including intestinal worms, schistosomiasis, HIV

infections and malaria [7].