The Prevalence of Anemia in women of Childbearing Age in Kazakhstan: Some Causes, Risk Factors and Interventions

Abstract

Objectives: An assessment of the causes, risk factors and availability of fortified flour on anemia prevalence among women of reproductive age (WRA) in Kazakhstan. Methods: Results of comparative analysis of the National Nutrition Surveys (NNS) in 2006 and 2011 with randomized sampling of 4089 WRA in 2006 and 1214 WRA in 2011. Hemoglobin levels in blood of WRA measured by HemoCue spectrometry, Serum Ferritin and C-Reactive Protein (CRP) levels - by ELISA, Fortified Wheat Flour (FWF) - by Spot Test For Iron. The WRA were interviewed on risk factors. Results: In 2006 44.5% of women, including 51.8% of Kazakh and 31.6% of Russian, had anemia, and in 2011 these indicators showed reduction anemia 39.0%, 43.6% and 27.5%, accordingly. The prevalence of low ferritin levels with CRP ≤5 mg/L and low ferritin levels with anemia were 43.8% and 57.15%, accordingly. In 2006 FWF was available in 28.4% of households, and the incidence of anemia among women living in these households was lower (41.2%) than in those who hadn't FWF (46.2%). In 2011 in West Kazakhstan Oblast, where 64% of households had FWF, the difference in anemia prevalence (34.6% and 63.3%, accordingly) was more significant. Use of Intrauterine Devices (IUD) increases the prevalence of anemia among women (47.5) than in those, who did not use IUD (36.3%). The influences of some other factors on anemia incidences are also revealed. Conclusions: Iron deficiency, the availability of FWF in households, nationality, use of IUD and some other factors influence on the prevalence of anemia in women.