FREQUENCY AND SEVERITY OF IRON DEFICIENCY ANEMIA IN FEMALES OF CHILDBEARING AGE
Abstract
Background: Anemia is a condition which develops either due to decrease in the number of red blood cells or low hemoglobin concentration. Hemoglobin is oxygen transport protein in red blood cells. Young children, anorexic teenagers, females of reproductive age group, pregnant females and malnourished females are at greater risk of developing anemia.
Objectives: The objective of this study was to find out the frequency and severity of anemias in child bearing females.
Methods: This descriptive retrospective study was conducted in Ghurki Trust Teaching hospital Lahore from January 2022 to December 2023. Total of 2000 females of child bearing age, who ranged between 20-40 years were included. First group had ranged of age between 21 to 30 years whereas the second had ranged of age between 31 to 40 years. Data were entered and analysis by using SPSS version 22.
Results: Out of a total of 2000 cases, 713 (35.6%) had a normal hemoglobin level, whereas 1,287 (64.35%) had a decreased hemoglobin level. In present study, we found 41.05% females with mild, 18.6% cases of moderate anemia, whereas only 4.75% cases presented with severe degree of anemia.
Conclusion: Females presenting with symptoms of fatigue, tiredness and palpitations, anemia should be considered as one of the causes of this presentation of anemia.
