The Innovations in Pharmaceutical Sciences & Care (IPSC) aims to foster advanced research and innovation in pharmaceutical sciences, drug development, and patient-centered pharmacy practice. The journal promotes scholarly work on novel therapeutics, formulation science, pharmacology, clinical pharmacy, and emerging pharmaceutical technologies. It encourages evidence-based studies that enhance medication safety, therapeutic effectiveness, and personalized patient care. IPSC serves as an interdisciplinary platform for researchers, clinicians, and healthcare professionals to contribute knowledge that advances global pharmaceutical science and improves healthcare outcomes.
Article Views: 485
Background: Anemia is a major public health concern among women of reproductive age in sub-Saharan Africa, influenced by reproductive health, nutritional practices, and infection exposure. Objective: To assess the prevalence, determinants, and nutritional correlates of anemia among women aged 14-49 years. Methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was conducted among 385 women aged 14-49 years using a structured 38-item instrument. The questionnaire included demographics, pubertal and anemia-related history, reproductive and infection exposure, dietary practices, and perceived nutritional well-being. Descriptive statistics, frequency analysis, Spearman correlation, and linear regression were performed using SPSS version 20.0. Normality was assessed using Kolmogorov–Smirnov and Shapiro–Wilk tests. Results: Among participants, 79.7% had attained puberty, but only 42.9% had hemoglobin or iron testing, and 43.6% reported an anemia diagnosis. Treatment was received by 34.8% of diagnosed women, and 29.9% took iron or multivitamin supplements. Iron-rich foods were consumed daily by 47.5%, while 20% never consumed dark green leafy vegetables or vitamin C-rich fruits. Current pregnancy was reported by 34.8%, with 59.7% receiving iron/folic acid supplementation. Spearman correlations showed strong positive associations among pubertal/anemia history, reproductive/infection exposure, dietary intake, and perceived nutritional status (r = 0.954–0.992, p < 0.01). Linear regression indicated dietary intake (β = 0.439), reproductive/infection history (β = 0.329), and pubertal/anemia history (β = 0.244) significantly predicted perceived anemia-related health status (F = 4496.9, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Anemia-related well-being among women is strongly influenced by interconnected nutritional, reproductive, and health factors. Integrated strategies focusing on nutrition education, infection control, and strengthened reproductive healthcare are essential to reduce anemia burden in this population.
Anemia, Prevalence, Nutritional Status, Hemoglobin, Iron, Pregnancy