Iron Deficiency Anemia in Bahawalpur Region of Pakistan: A Descriptive Study

Background: This study was done to highlight the magnitude of iron deficiency anemia in Bahawalpur, a big city of Southern Punjab Region of Pakistan, so that affective remedies are carried out to address iron deficiency among vulnerable groups in this part of Pakistan. There have been no such study has been conducted to assess the prevalent type of anemia in Bahawalpur region in past. Method: One hundred anemic patients were selected from Bahawal Victoria Hospital /Quaid –e Azam Medical College, Bahawalpur. After a detailed history and examination, preliminary blood tests including full blood count, platelet count, retic count, absolute blood count and blood film examination, were done the laboratory. A clinical diagnosis was made based on the finding of history, clinical exam and blood tests. In patient suspected to have iron deficiency, serum ferritin was done to confirm the diagnosis. Results: Out of 100 patients 80 had iron deficiency anemia and 20 were found to have non iron deficiency anemia. Majority of patients with iron deficiency anemia were aged between 20-30 years (50%). Severity of iron deficiency was arbitrarily categorized into moderate and severe groups on basis of serum Ferritin level. Majority of patients (53%) had moderate iron deficiency anemia. 10 patients (12.5%) had severe iron deficiency anemia. Out of 80 patients, 60% were females. 56(70%) patients) were from rural areas. 30% were from urban population. Conclusion: Iron deficiency is more common cause of anemia in Bahawalpur region , more in females. It is seen more in people living in rural areas.