Prevalence of iron deficiency (anemia) in human population of district Bannu Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

Abstract

Iron Deficiency Anemia (IDA) remains a significant global health challenge. This study
critically evaluates recent articles published within the last 18 months, focusing on strategies
for diagnosing and managing this pervasive condition. Iron deficiency constitutes a primary
driver of anemia, with its higher prevalence in developing nations. Notably, the district of
Bannu in Pakistan experiences a more pronounced burden of iron deficiency due to factors
such as malnutrition and poverty. This study centers on Bannu to address this concern. A
cohort of 200 blood samples underwent pathological testing, with 110 (55%) being male and
90 (45%) female. Of these, 120/200 (60%) were positively diagnosed with IDA. This form of
anemia is categorized into three types based on decreasing hemoglobin levels: Mild Anemia
(10-10.9g/dl, 41.66%), Moderate Anemia (7-9.9g/dl, 37.5%), and Severe Anemia (<7g/dl,
20.83%). The dataset comprised 100 observations from various hospitals in Bannu, revealing a
higher prevalence of anemia in females due to factors like heavy menstruation and
malnutrition. The study underscores the persistent prevalence of IDA in District Bannu,
particularly among school-age children, where the anemia rate was notably high (60%).
Common symptoms include skin and eye pallor, brittle fingernails and toenails, as well as
additional manifestations like headaches, dizziness, fatigue, weakness, and breathlessness. In
conclusion, this research sheds light on the ongoing challenge of IDA in District Bannu,
reflecting a substantial anemia burden among school-age children. The study emphasizes the
need for comprehensive interventions to combat IDA and its associated symptoms, aiming to
enhance the overall well-being of the affected population.