Anemia, Iron Deficiency and Iron Deficiency Anemia in a Group of Hill-Tribe, Pakakayo-Karen

Abstract

Ethnic minorities are prone to several health problems including anemia.
This study investigated the prevalence of anemia, iron deficiency ( ID) and
iron deficiency anemia ( IDA) ina Karen hill- tribecommunity. Participants
comprised 109males and 1 56females, with age range from 18 to 87 years.
All participants were interviewed to ascertain their primary information by
questionnaire. Blood samples were collected to determine the hematological
parameters, serum ferritin, and C-reactive protein. Anemia, ID and IDA were
diagnosed according to the criteria recommended by the World Health
Organization. Thalassemia screening was performed using red blood cell
indices together with hemoglobin electrophoresis. Multiple logistic regression
analysis was applied to identify potential risk factors associated with anemia.
The prevalence of anemia, ID and IDA was 13.6% (95% CI=9.4-17.7), 3.8%
(95% CI=1.5-6.1) and 2.3% (95% CI=0.5-4.0), respectively. Anemia was
associated significantly with positive thalassemia screening (OR=44.8, 95% CI=
16.5-121.6) and age over 60 years (OR=4.8, 95% CI=1.4-16.2). The results indicate
that anemia in the minority is more likely due to inherited disorders of
hemoglobin rather than ID. These basic dataare useful for providing
appropriate health care advice to this population.