The Prevalence of Iron Deficiency Anemia (IDA) and Associated Factors among Vulnerable Populations in Ethiopia
Girmay Ayana *
Ethiopian Health and Nutrition Research Institute, Addis Ababa,, Ethiopia.
Dilnesaw Zerfu
Ethiopian Health and Nutrition Research Institute, Addis Ababa,, Ethiopia.
Adamu Belay
Ethiopian Health and Nutrition Research Institute, Addis Ababa,, Ethiopia.
Aweke Kebede
Ethiopian Health and Nutrition Research Institute, Addis Ababa,, Ethiopia
Aregash Samuel
Ethiopian Health and Nutrition Research Institute, Addis Ababa,, Ethiopia.
Tibebu Moges
Ethiopian Health and Nutrition Research Institute, Addis Ababa,, Ethiopia.
Tesfaye Hailu
Ethiopian Health and Nutrition Research Institute, Addis Ababa,, Ethiopia.
Biniyam Tesfaye
Ethiopian Health and Nutrition Research Institute, Addis Ababa,, Ethiopia.
Tsehai Assefa
Ethiopian Health and Nutrition Research Institute, Addis Ababa,, Ethiopia.
Masresha Tessema
Ethiopian Health and Nutrition Research Institute, Addis Ababa,, Ethiopia.
Amha Kebede
Ethiopian Health and Nutrition Research Institute, Addis Ababa,, Ethiopia.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Objectives: In Ethiopia, there are no data which reflect the current prevalence of iron deficiency (ID) or iron deficiency anemia (IDA) at national or regional levels. The 2014 Ethiopia National Micronutrient Survey (ENMS) will estimate the national and regional prevalence of ID and IDA among children 6-59 months old and non-pregnant women 15-49 years of age in Ethiopia.
Methods: The prevalence of ID will be determined by measuring serum ferritin (SF) and soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR) from venous blood samples using an automated electro-chemiluminescence immunoassay (ELISA) and immuno-turbidimetry technique. Iron deficiency will be defined by SF<12.0 µg/L and sTfR>6.0 mg/L for children 6-59 months of age and SF<15.0 µg/L and sTfR>5.33 mg/L for non-pregnant women. Acute phase proteins alpha-1-acid-glycoprotein (AGP) and C-reactive protein (CRP) will be measured to account for the effects of inflammation.
The prevalence of anemia will be determined from hemoglobin levels in venous blood samples using a Hemocue® photometer. Anemia will be defined as hemoglobin <11.0 and <12.0 g/dL for children 6-59 months of age and non-pregnant women, respectively. IDA will be defined as either: 1) low serum ferritin levels and low hemoglobin (anemia) or 2) elevated sTfR (iron deficiency) and low hemoglobin (anemia).
Results: The national and regional prevalence of iron deficiency and IDA will be presented with and without inflammation among children 6-59 months and non-pregnant women 15-49 years of age in Ethiopia.
Conclusions: This survey will provide national and regional data for anemia control and fortification programs in Ethiopia.