Reducing iron deficiency anaemia due to heavy menstural blood loss in Nigerian rural adolescents. Reprinted from Public Health Nutrition Volume 1 (4), 249–257, 1998

Public Health Nutrition

John Ikimalo¹  Shola Agbaje¹  Feikumo Buseri¹  Nimi Briggs¹  Fiona Barr¹  Loretta Brabin¹ 

关键词: Menorrhagia;    Adolescents;    Nigeria;    Iron status;    Oral contraceptives;   

DOI  :  10.1079/PHN2005818

学科分类：卫生学

来源: Cambridge University Press

【 摘 要 】

ObjectiveMenstrual disorders are common in young women, and heavy menstrual blood losses (MBL) are an important cause of anaemia. Menstrual morbidity normally goes untreated in developing countries where cultural barriers also serve to make the problems. We investigated the prevelance of menstrual morbidity, and measured MBL and its relationship to iron deficiency in a rural adolescent population. The rationale was to assess whether or not reducing heavy MBL could be part of a strategy to reduce iron deficiency anaemia.SettingRural village in south-east Nigeria.DesignCross-sectional survey.SubjectsThe studdy included all non-pregnant, unmarried nulliparous girls (< 20 years) who had menstruated, and who lived in K'Dere village.MethodsA field worker allocated to each girl completed a questionnaire, and supervised recovery and collection of soiled pads and ensured blood sampling. MBL was measured using the standard alkaline haematin method. Haemoglobin (HB), serum iron, transferin saturation and protoporphyrin levels (ZPP) were also measured.Results307 girls completed MBL measurements; 11.9% refused to participate. 12.1% had menorrhagia (> 80 ml);. median MBL was 33.1 ml. Menorrhagia was more frequent in girls who had menstruated for > 2 years (p = 0.048), and had longer duration of meneses (p < 0.001). Iron status as measured by haematocrit, serum iron, transferrin saturation and ZPP values was inversely related to MBL. Neither height nor body mass index for age was associated with current iron status.ConclusionsThe level of menorrhagia detected (12%) may be an ‘expected’ level for a condition which often has no underlying pathology. Heavy MBL is one of the most important factors contributing to iron deficiency anaemia. Measures are needed to alleviate menstrual disorders and improve iron status. Oral contraceptives can be part of a strategy to reduce anaemia, particularly for adolescents at high risk of unwanted pregnancies.

【 授权许可】

Unknown