publication
Determinants of Anemia among Female Factory Workers in Hlaing Thar Yar township, Yangon
ABSTRACT
A community based cross sectional descriptive study was carried out from November 2017 to February 2018 in Hlaing Thar Yar Township to study determinants of anemia among female factory workers who are working at garment factories. The objectives were to find out the proportion of anemia by using Mission plus hemoglobin testing system, to describe the determinants of anemia among female factory workers and to find out the relationship between determinants of anemia with prevalence in population.
In this study, 226 reproductive age women were included. The determinants of anemia (socioeconomic status, nutritional status, clinical history, dietary habit and knowledge) were collected in pre-tested questionnaires. Hemoglobin levels were examined by Mission plus hemoglobin testing system. Height, weight, waist and hip circumference were also measured to assess the nutritional status. All questionnaires were edited manually and data entered in a computer and analyzed using SPSS statistical package.
The prevalence of anemia was 55.8% (sever public health problem according to WHO cutoff). Eating habit of iron absorption inhibitors during and after meal was significantly associated with anemia (p < 0.05). Other determinants of anemia were not significantly associated with anemia.
This study has confirmed that anemia is a severe public health problem among women at reproductive age. The cause of anemia were multiple and complex. A behavioral communication change campaign is needed to promote healthy eating pattern and eating habit. Moreover, health and nutrition sectors should be coordinated with other local authorities to develop food availability and food sharing accessibility.