PREVALANCE OF ANAEMIA AMONGST WOMEN IN THE REPRODUCTIVE AGE GROUP IN A RURAL AREA OF EASTERN NEPAL

G. M. Singh Karki, Shripad J. Walawalkar, K. K. Karna, A. K. Sinha*

ABSTRACT

Objectives: To determine prevalence of anemia among women of reproductive age group in rural area, Morang District of Eastern Nepal. There is a need to investigate the prevalence of anemia particularly among females in their reproductive age (15-45) years in the magnitude of anemia in the general population. Effects of anemia on mean age and haemoglobin of women of reproductive age group (15-45) years. Method: A cross-sectional study of analytical nature was conducted in one village namely Baijnathpur VDC, Morang district of Eastern Nepal between March-May 2014. A total 1227 women of reproductive age (15-45 years) were clinically examined. Cyanmethmoglobin method was used to examine the level of haemoglobin (Hb). Results: The overall prevalence of anemia was 58.7% (720) out of 1227 females. The majority of anemic women were in the category of mild (84%) to moderate (12%) and severe anemia was (4%). The most affected age group was 30-34 years. The study revealed that mean standard deviation age and mean standard deviation haemoglobin in anemic females was less than that of non anemic females 29.30 ±8.034, 10.336±1.475 and 30.24± 8.077, 13.304±3.950 respectively. Conclusions: The present study revealed anemia to be a major health problem among the women of reproductive age group in rural areas, Morang district of Eastern Nepal affecting their health status.

Keywords: Anaemia, Prevalance, Rural Area.