Prevalence of Iron Deficiency Anaemia and Associated Laboratory Predictors Among Women of Reproductive Age in Karachi: A Cross-Sectional Study
Keywords:
Iron Deficiency Anemia, Ferritin, Women, Reproductive Age, Prevalence, BiomarkersAbstract
Background:
To determine the prevalence of iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) and identify associated laboratory predictors among women of reproductive age in Karachi.
Material and Methods:
A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted among women aged 15–49 years attending outpatient departments of tertiary-care hospitals in Karachi. Consecutive sampling was used. Venous blood samples were analyzed for complete blood count, serum ferritin, serum iron, total iron-binding capacity, transferrin saturation, and C-reactive protein. Anaemia was defined as haemoglobin <12 g/dL (non-pregnant) according to WHO criteria. Iron deficiency was defined as serum ferritin <15 µg/L, adjusted for inflammation using CRP. IDA was diagnosed when both anaemia and iron deficiency were present. Associations were assessed using chi-square tests and multivariable logistic regression. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.
Results:
Among 420 participants, anaemia prevalence was 41.9%, iron deficiency 35.7%, and IDA 28.6%. Low ferritin, elevated RDW, and reduced transferrin saturation were significant laboratory predictors of IDA (p < 0.001). After adjustment, ferritin <15 µg/L (adjusted OR 4.12, 95% CI 2.63–6.45) and transferrin saturation <20% (adjusted OR 2.87, 95% CI 1.74–4.73) independently predicted IDA.
Conclusion:
Iron deficiency anaemia remains highly prevalent among women in Karachi. Laboratory biomarkers, particularly ferritin and transferrin saturation, are strong predictors for early identification.
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References
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