Prevalence of anaemia in non-pregnant women of reproductive age in three counties of Kazakhstan: a cross-sectional study

Shamil Tazhibayev, Oksana Dolmatova, Zura Berkutovna Yessimsiitova, Zh Bazarbayeva, N Muratbekova, Arailym Beisbekova, A M Grjibovski

European Journal of Public Health, 2014

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DOI 10.1093/eurpub/cku151.004
Data confidence 70 medium
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Abstract

Background Anaemia is a well-known risk factor for adverse pregnancy outcomes for both the mother and neonate. While in most European countries the prevalence of anaemia among women of reproductive age is low, it remains a significant public health problem in Central Asian republics of the former Soviet Union with considerable variations between regions and little information from the Northern and Western parts of Kazakhstan. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of anaemia in women of reproductive age in three less privileged counties in Kazakhstan located in the North and the West of the country. Methods A cross-sectional study. Random samples of non-pregnant women 15-49 years from Aktobe (n = 240), Pavlodar (n = 239) and North Kazakhstan (n = 243) counties were selected. Anaemia was defined as haemoglobin level <12.0 g/dL. Moderate and severe anemia were defined as Hb < 10.0 g/dL and Hb < 7.0 g/dL, respectively. Geographic variations across counties and settings (urban vs. rural) were studied by chi-squared tests. Results The overall prevalence of anaemia was 46.7% (95%CI:40.5-53.0), 45.6% (95%CI:39.4-51.9) and 40.6% (95%CI:34.7-46.8) in Aktobe, Pavlodar and North Kazakhstan counties, respectively, although the differences did not reach the level of statistical significance. The prevalence of moderate and severe anaemia was 14.2% (95%CI:10.3-19.1) and 0.8% (95%CI:0.2-3.0) in Aktobe, 11.3% (95%CI:7.9-15.9) and 0% (0-1.6) in Pavlodar and 8.2% (95%CI:5.4-12.4) and 0.8% (95%CI:0.2-3.0) in North Kazakhstan counties. Urban women tended to have lower prevalence of anemia than their rural counterparts (38.7% (95%CI:33.2-44.4) vs. 48.5% (95%CI:43.8-58.2)). Conclusions Almost a half of women of reproductive age in Northern counties of Kazakhstan have anaemia, which is comparable to other developing settings. Factors behind the observed data will be discussed. No geographic or urban-rural variations in the prevalence of anaemia were found. Measures directed at the prevention and control of anemia, including supplementation and fortification programs are needed to improve the situation with a further going aim to improve health of women and their future children. Key messages Almost a half of women of reproductive age in Northern counties of Kazakhstan have anaemia. No geographic or urban-rural variations in the prevalence of anaemia were found.