Iron deficiency in women of reproductive age of Pekutatan Subdistrict, Jembrana, Regency Bali: association with demographic profiles

Background: Iron deficiency anemia is anemia that occurred due to reduction of total iron content. The high-risk groups are women of reproductive age (WRA), pregnant women, students, and adolescents. The aim of this study was to know the prevalence of iron deficiency and its association with level of education, meat consumption, and menstrual pattern. Methods: A population-based study using analytic cross-sectional study was done. Simple random samples were drawn from list of all WRA population statistical data in Pengeragoan Village, Pekutatan Subdistrict, Jembrana. WRA between 20 and 49 years with their demographic data, meat consumption pattern, menstrual pattern, and level of education were taken using questionnaire. Ferritin level 20 ug/dl is considered iron deficiency state. All the data were examined with significance level 0.05. Results: Out of 790 WRA registered, 80 subjects were recruited. Only 1 (1.25%) subject was found having abnormal menstruation pattern and 5 (6.25%) of them were found having anemia. Low ferritin serum 20ug/ dL was found in 11 subjects, so iron deficiency prevalence was 13.75%. Mean ferritin serum was 64.45 ± 3.95 ug/L (range 5.3-150 ug/L). This study found no relationship was noted between meat consumption, level of education and menstrual pattern, and ferritin level in WRA subjects (p 0.05). Conclusion: Iron deficiency was found to be 13.75% and no association was discovered between level of ferritin serum and meat consumption, level of education, and menstrual pattern.