Open AccessIron status and socioeconomic determinants of the quantity and quality of dietary iron in a group of rural Iranian women
Author(s) -
Abolghassem Djazayery
Publication year - 2001
Publication title -
eastern mediterranean health journal/eastern mediterranean health journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.442
H-Index - 47
eISSN - 1687-1634
pISSN - 1020-3397
DOI - 10.26719/2001.7.4-5.652
Subject(s) - iron status , socioeconomic status , iron deficiency , environmental health , medicine , rural area , demography , anemia , population , pathology , sociology
Iron intake and status were investigated in 471 mothers [age range: 16-53 years] from rural areas in Khorramabad, Islamic Republic of Iran. Although average total iron intake was acceptable, only 6.4% of women derived at least 4% of their total intake from animal iron. Average energy and protein intakes were inadequate. Low iron status was seen in 8.2%-28.7%, depending on the parameter used, with 28.3% experiencing iron-deficiency anaemia. Significantly higher animal iron intakes were found in literate or employed women, or those of family size fewer than six people. Increasing employment opportunities, income levels and literacy rates for women will result in better iron intake and status and should receive particular attention in national planning.