MALNUTRITION AND IRON DEFICIENCY IN LACTATING WOMEN IN URBAN SLUM COMMUNITIES FROM ADDIS ABABA, ETHIOPIA

Abstract

ABSTRACT
Objective: To determine the status of iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) and malnutrition in lactating
women.
Design: A cross-sectional study.
Setting: Six urban slum communities in Teklehaimanot district, Addis Ababa.
Subjects: One thousand and seventeen lactating women were enrolled and assessed for their
haemoglobin (Hgb), serum ferritin level and body mass index (BMI) during the month of March
2001. Iron deficiency anaemia was considered when Hgb and serum ferritin concentrations were
less than 12gm/dl and 12 μg/l respectively, whereas, a BMI less than 18.5% kg/m2 was considered
malnourished.
Main outcome measures: Determinations of haemoglobin, serum ferritin and BMI measurements.
Results: The overall prevalence of iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) and protein energy malnutrition
in the slum communities was 22.3% and 27.1% respectively. The mean age of mothers (28.4±6.12
years) indicates that prevalence of malnutrition and iron deficiency anaemia was higher among
younger mothers than among older mothers. The prevalence of malnutrition was positively
correlated with the serum ferritin concentration status, of the mothers (r=0.12, p=0.2, RR=1.03).
Conclusion: It is observed that malnutrition and IDA are major health problems and therefore,
an appropriate nutrition intervention package to improve the nutrition situation of the communities
is recommended