Abstract:
Background: Micronutrient deficiencies are a major global health problem. More than 2 billion
people in the world today are estimated to be deficient in key vitamins and minerals.
Objective: The aim of this study, was to determine the prevalence of iron deficiency among nonpregnant women in reproductive age,
Methods: A population based national survey of iron deficiency was carried out from March
2015 to July 2015 among Ethiopian women. A simple random sampling was used to select 1924
women aged 15 to 49 years from eleven accessible regions of Ethiopia. Demographic and health
data were collected using structured questionnaire using tablets. Biological samples were
collected by laboratory technologists. Analysis was done by STATA software version 13.
Descriptive statistics, binary and multivariable logistic regressions were done to identify factors
associated with iron deficiency. P <0.05 were used to declare statistical significance.
Result: The overall prevalence of Iron deficiency was 9.9%. Somalia (69.8%), Harari (44.1%)
and Diredewa (40.2%) were found to be higher in Iron deficiency in descending order. The median
serum ferritin concentration was 57mg/dl. Having Anemia (AOR= 3.4, [95%CI 2.5, 4.7[), having
raised AGP(α -1 acid glycoprotein) (AOR= 2.1, [95%CI:1.39,3.01]), safe drinking water (AOR=
0.63, [95%CI: 0.46,0.86]), overweight/obese (AOR =2.3, [95%CI :1.6,3.4]), not eating animal
source food in last 24hr (AOR=1.46, [95%CI:1.1,1.8]) and having family size >5 (AOR=1.48,
[95%CI: 1.1,1.9]) were independent predictors of Iron deficiency.
Conclusion and Recommendation: The prevalence of Iron deficiency among non-pregnant
women in reproductive age group in Ethiopia is mild public health importance. Family size >5,
being anemic, lack of animal source food in the last 24hour preceding the survey, and being
overweight/obese were independent predictor of iron deficiency.
Health professionals and concerned body should give nutrition education for women in
reproductive age group about the cause of Iron deficiency to prevent its consequences.
