DETERMINANTS OF ANEMIA IN WOMEN OF REPRODUCTIVE AGE: INSIGHTS FROM SOUTH PUNJAB PAKISTAN

Abstract

Women of reproductive age (WRA) are particularly vulnerable to anemia, especially iron deficiency anemia (IDA), which poses significant risks to maternal and child health. In Pakistan, anemia remains a persistent public health challenge, yet comprehensive data on its prevalence and determinants in specific regions are limited. This study assessed the prevalence, severity, and determinants of anemia among WRA in South Punjab. A cross-sectional design was employed involving 600 women aged 15–49 years. Data on socio-demographic, reproductive, anthropometric, and dietary factors were collected through structured interviews and anthropometric measurements, while hemoglobin levels were measured to determine anemia status. Multivariable logistic regression was conducted to identify independent predictors. The overall prevalence of anemia was 52.5%, with mild, moderate, and severe anemia observed in 21.7%, 23.3%, and 7.5% of participants, respectively. Low education, low household income, high parity (≥3 children), short birth intervals (<24 months), underweight BMI, and low dietary diversity were all significantly associated with increased odds of anemia. These findings indicate that socioeconomic disadvantage, high reproductive burden, undernutrition, and poor dietary diversity are key contributors to anemia among WRA. Targeted interventions focusing on education, income improvement, reproductive health, nutrition, and dietary practices are urgently required to mitigate anemia and its associated health consequences in this population