PREVALENCE OF ANEMIA AND ITS POSSIBLE ATTRIBUTING FACTORS IN PSYCHOLOGICALLY HEALTHY WOMEN OF REPRODUCTIVE AGES IN MIDNAPORE (JANGALMAHAL-AREA), INDIA

Background: Worldwide, anemia in pregnant women is associated with low birth-weight, perinatal and maternal mortality. The Childhood malnourishment results in ill-health and psychosocial problems. In the present study, prevalence of anemia is determined in a community-based cross-sectional survey (June 2010 to May 2011) in non-pregnant, psychologically fit and economically backward women (total 241, 15-49 years). Methods: The investigation is based on interviews on a pre-tested, semi-structured questionnaire after testing with Mental Status Examination. Body mass index is assessed to evaluate undernutrition and thinness. Data processing and descriptive statistics were done using the SPSS, 2010. The Pearson ÷2 and ANOVA tests were performed to predict the level of significance. Results: Anthropometric indices and hemoglobin level indicate that the prevalence of anemia (Hb<12 g/dl, WHO) is 69.7% (p