Pervasiveness of Anaemia and Vitamin A Deficiency among Females Aged 15-45 Years in Urban and Riverine Rural Areas of Anambra State, Nigeria

Abstract

Background and Objective: Micronutrient deficiencies among females has posed both health and economic challenges in the developing countries of the world. The present study assessed the prevalence of anaemia and vitamin A deficiency among females in urban and riverine rural communities in Anambra State, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: A total of 586 females aged 15-45 years participated in the study. The participants filled a self-reported questionnaire which covered items related to anaemia, vitamin A and frequency of consumption of iron and vitamin A rich foods. Serum iron and retinol levels of sub-sample of participants were measured. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the data using SPSS, version 22. Significance was set at p<0.05. Results: Results showed that 40.0% of the respondents were retinol deficient. More than half (63.3%) were anaemic out of which 26.6 and 5.0% had moderate and severe anaemia, respectively. About 46.0% of the urban respondents had low serum retinol compared to 33.3% of their rural counterparts. There was no significant (p>0.05) relationship between location and the respondents’ serum retinol and iron status. Overall, daily consumptions of meat, fish and vegetables were low in the urban and riverine rural communities (24.7% vs. 21.7%, 20.3% vs. 28.0% and 51.3% vs 48.2%, respectively). Many (78.7%) respondents in riverine rural area reported skipping meals. Conclusion: Anaemia, vitamin A deficiency and low consumption of micronutrient rich foods were observed among the respondents. Behaviour change communication is required to improve the micronutrient status of the women.