More and more women of reproductive age are facing anemia

Anemia has a significant impact on global health, with more than 571 million women at risk of adverse health outcomes due to iron deficiency and other causes. A new nationwide population-based study in China aims to estimate the prevalence of anemia among women of reproductive age, examine geographic differences and the association between anemia and metabolic factors, particularly overweight and obesity.

The study, published in Frontiers of Medicine, uses data from the Meinian Healthcare Group system to understand the epidemiologic features of anemia and develop strategies for targeted intervention.

Anemia can lead to a wide range of problems, from severe fatigue, brittle nails and hair loss to heart problems and even to the development of malignant neoplasms. According to WHO estimates, one in four people on the planet suffers from various types of anemia.

The global prevalence of anemia in women has barely decreased between 2019 and 2021, having previously increased from 28.5% in 2013 to 29.9% by 2019. Anemia is a consequence of multiple diseases, including nutrient deficiencies and chronic infections. In China, the prevalence of anemia varies across demographic and geographic regions, with an increasing trend in risk since 2010.

The study focused on non-pregnant women aged 18-49 years, with anemia defined as hemoglobin concentration <120.0 g/L adjusted for geographic altitude. Anemia was divided into mild, moderate, and severe anemia, with moderate and severe anemia combined into moderate to more severe anemia.

The study showed that the overall prevalence of anemia is 15.8%, with 41.5% categorized as moderate to severe. Anemia is more common in older women, with the highest prevalence in women aged 40-44 years. Geographic differences in the prevalence of anemia are significant, with the highest prevalence in Xizang Province and the lowest in Guizhou Province.

The study also found a significant association between anemia, renal dysfunction and cesarean delivery, and overweight and obesity were weakly associated with general anemia but had a significant association with moderate to severe anemia. The findings suggest that metabolic factors play a role in the prevalence of anemia, highlighting the need for comprehensive strategies to address both anemia and metabolic disorders.

Limitations of the study include its focus on urban areas and the lack of clinical data to define anemia subtype. Despite these limitations, the study provides a reliable estimate of anemia prevalence and highlights the importance of considering geographic and metabolic factors in anemia reduction strategies.

The findings call for greater attention to anemia among women of reproductive age and suggest that management of metabolic risk factors may be critical to reducing the burden of anemia.

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Published: 02.01.2025

Updated: 02.01.2025

Medical author, Medical editor:

Stepan Yuk

Medical expert:

PhD. Olexandr Voznyak