Assessment of Anemia Prevalence in Urban Populations: A Community-based Study

Abstract BACKGROUND: Anemia is a common public health problem that affects the health of an estimated 1.62 billion people worldwide, with significant health, productivity, and lifestyle impacts. Anemia is defined as a lack of hemoglobin in the blood that affects tissue oxygenation, leading to exhaustion and impairment of physical and mental function. This study aimed to measure the prevalence of anemia in urban areas and examine the linkages between anemia and demographic, socioeconomic, and dietary characteristics in an attempt to provide critical evidence for tailored public health interventions. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: An exploratory community-based survey was conducted among 1,000 urban citizens aged 10–65 years. Hemoglobin levels were measured and participants were grouped according to World Health Organization-defined anemia thresholds. They then performed descriptive and inferential statistical analyses of the prevalence of anemia across demographic groups and their correlation with socioeconomic and diet variables. RESULTS: Overall, 35% of patients had anemia, and a higher rate was reported in women (45%) than in men (25%). Mild anemia was observed in 70%, moderate anemia in 20%, and severe anemia in 10% of cases. The prevalence of anemia was much higher among the low-income population and among those with lower education levels. A diet test revealed that only one-fifth of the weak people received their daily iron target. CONCLUSIONS: Urban areas have high levels of anemia, especially among women and the poor. However, it also points to the potential of individualized health policies addressing nutrition education and anemia prevention. Such policies could significantly reduce anemia rates and increase the health and well-being of cities.