Study of Iron Deficiency Anemia Among Lactating Women in Mahrouka Ashatti Region- Southern Libya

Abstract

Iron deficiency anemia in women is one of the most common nutritional problems, that is more prevalent in adolescents, pregnant and lactating (breastfeeding) women. To determine the prevalence of anemia, iron deficiency anemia and some of its causes in a group of lactating women who attending at health care centers in Mahrouka Al shatti region- southern Libya, EDTA blood samples were collected from 57 lactating women aged 19- 42 years in 15 Aug. to 20 Sep. 2018, for complete blood count and serum iron, Total Iron Binding Capacity for anemic women(Hb< 12gr/ dl). Thirty four lactating women (59.65%) were anemic, 26 (76.47%) had mild anemia, 7(20.59%) had moderate anemia and 1(2.94%) had severe anemia and 52.94%(18) were iron deficiency anemia. There were differences showed in hemoglobin values, with no correlations between Hb and women age, and between Hb and period of lactation. IDA and anemia were more prevalent in the lactating women and its relation to menstruation distributions, iron loss, breastfeeding and stress.