Association of Anemia with Socio-Demographic and Dietary Factors among Non-Pregnant Women at Tertiary Care Hospital
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.61919/ab09zk28Keywords:
Anemia, Dietary factors, Nutritional Status, Reproductive age, Socioeconomic FactorsAbstract
Background: Anemia is a significant public health concern among women of reproductive age, leading to fatigue, impaired cognition, reduced productivity, and maternal-perinatal complications. In Pakistan, anemia prevalence remains high, particularly among non-pregnant women, and is influenced by socio-demographic and dietary factors. Objective: The study aimed to determine the prevalence and severity of anemia and assess its association with socio-demographic and dietary factors among non-pregnant women at a tertiary care hospital of Hyderabad/Jamshoro. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Liaquat University Hospital, Hyderabad/Jamshoro, from July to November 2025. Using purposive sampling, 314 non-pregnant women aged 15–49 years were recruited. Hemoglobin levels were measured via complete blood count (CBC), and anemia was classified according to World Health Organization (WHO) criteria. Socio-demographic and dietary information was collected using a structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed with SPSS version 26, employing descriptive statistics, Chi-square tests, and binary logistic regression, with significance set at p < 0.05. Results: Anemia was observed in 236 (75.2%) participants, with mild 23.6%, moderate 30.9%, and severe 20.7%. Higher prevalence was observed among women aged ≤24 years, married, with school-level education, from low-income households, residing in joint families, and living in rural areas. Independent dietary predictors that were significant included skipping meals, irregular consumption of vegetables, meat, milk, and fruits, and non-use of iron (AOR 0.46; p = 0.029) and folic acid supplements (AOR 0.41; p = 0.016). Conclusion: Anemia is highly prevalent among non-pregnant women, with moderate anemia being the most common. Socio-demographic and dietary factors contribute to anemia. Programs for screening, nutrition education, and supplementation are recommended.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Zafarullah Junejo, Husan Bano Channar, Irfan Ali Chandio, Shahnawaz Shahok, Zohra Khowaja, Mansoor ul Haque (Author)
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