Anemia in Reproductive-Age Women of an Ethnic Minority, Vietnam

Abstract

Anemia is one of the major public health problems in world
population. It can be found in all age groups including reproductive age
women. The main causes of anemia in Southeast Asian population include
thalassemia and iron deficiency. This study aimed to determine the
prevalence of anemia in reproductive age women of an ethnic minority in
Thua Thien Hue, Vietnam. A total of 392 Ta-Oi women aged 15-49 years
were recruited. Blood samples and demographic information were collected
from each participant. All blood samples were investigated for anemia. Iron
deficiency was determined in anemic cases. The prevalence of anemia was
9.9% (95% CI=7.2-13.3). Amongst the anemic cases, ID was identified in one
woman (2.6%), whereas thalassemia carriers were identified in 76.9% (30/39).
Causes of anemia among the remaining 3 cases were unknown. Of the
thalassemic participants, hemoglobin Constant Spring (Hb CS) and α+-
thalassemia were most common. This information may contribute essentiality
to the thalassemia database and prevention and control program in the
region.