Prevalence and predictors of iron-deficiency anemia: Women's health perspective at reproductive age in the suburb of dried Urmia Lake, Northwest of Iran

BACKGROUND: Dried Urmia Lake in the northwest of Iran is a major regional source of sodium and toxic metal aerosols which may cause numerous health problems. The aim of this study was to evaluate iron-deficiency anemia (IDA) and some related risk factors among women of reproductive age in the suburb of dried Urmia Lake to provide the information about the problem to the health-care providers. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 278 healthy nonpregnant, nonlactating women aged 18–45 years, living in the rural area of the Salmas city, closest to the Urmia Lake between February and June 2017. The study participants were selected using a stratified random sampling method with proportional allocation from seven villages. A general questionnaire was completed for each participant to collect sociodemographic information and a 3-day dietary recall questionnaire to obtain daily dietary intakes. IDA was defined as a hemoglobin (Hb) level of <12 g/dl and ferritin concentration of <15 μg/l. Spearman's correlation coefficient and Fisher's exact test were applied to determine sociodemographic factors associated with the serum Hb and ferritin levels. RESULTS: The prevalence of overall anemia (Hb <12 g/dl) was 7.9%. IDA was determined in 4.3% and iron deficiency (ID) in 19.1% (serum ferritin <15 μg/l) of the participants. There was a significant positive correlation between serum Hb concentrations and the mean daily intakes of protein and iron (P < 0.001). Similarly, a significant positive correlation was observed between serum ferritin levels and body mass index (P < 0.001). Significant inverse associations were found between Hb concentrations and the number of pregnancies and children (P < 0.001), as well as the number of family members (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Results indicated a mild prevalence of IDA and a relatively high rate of ID among studied participants. Educational programs are needed to improve nutritional habits as well as the use of contraceptives to promote women's health.