Iron-Deficiency Anaemia (IDA): Socio-Economic Inequality and Spatial Patterns in its Prevalence in Women of Reproductive Age in Pakistan

Arooj FATIMA

Master's thesis

Case of Malnutrition in Developing Countries

Abstract:

Prevalence of iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) in women of reproductive age is a major malnutrition concern in developing countries. IDA is associated with complex interactions between its causes and socioeconomic determinants, varying across regions at sub-national levels. Dearth of academic and clinical literature on this association and lack of nationally representative data on the relevant indicators for Pakistan are major roadblocks to treat the national burden. Relevant literature is available for India but almost no studies are done on other countries in South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa. This study presents the prevalence of anaemia in women of reproductive age, a vulnerable group that is disadvantaged in Pakistan in terms of access to and outcomes related to health. The study explores the socio-economic determinants of IDA in women, the extent of socio-economic inequality in IDA and district-wise spatial patterns in its prevalence. By using data from the recent Pakistan National Nutrition Survey 2018 and employing sophisticated empirical techniques of bivariate analysis, multivariate logistic regression, concentration index and choropleth maps, the study elucidate how multifactorial socio-economic determinants affect the prevalence of IDA in Pakistan. There is also a significant inequality in the incidence of IDA across the districts. Hence, multi-sectoral and integrated interventions targeting specific groups and geographical areas need to be designed, developed and implemented.

Abstract:

Prevalence of iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) in women of reproductive age is a major malnutrition concern in developing countries. IDA is associated with complex interactions between its causes and socioeconomic determinants, varying across regions at sub-national levels. Dearth of academic and clinical literature on this association and lack of nationally representative data on the relevant indicators for Pakistan are major roadblocks to treat the national burden. Relevant literature is available for India but almost no studies are done on other countries in South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa. This study presents the prevalence of anaemia in women of reproductive age, a vulnerable group that is disadvantaged in Pakistan in terms of access to and outcomes related to health. The study explores the socio-economic determinants of IDA in women, the extent of socio-economic inequality in IDA and district-wise spatial patterns in its prevalence. By using data from the recent Pakistan National Nutrition Survey 2018 and employing sophisticated empirical techniques of bivariate analysis, multivariate logistic regression, concentration index and choropleth maps, the study elucidate how multifactorial socio-economic determinants affect the prevalence of IDA in Pakistan. There is also a significant inequality in the incidence of IDA across the districts. Hence, multi-sectoral and integrated interventions targeting specific groups and geographical areas need to be designed, developed and implemented.

Keywords

iron deficiency anaemia, women of reproductive age, Pakistan, prevalence, socio-economic determinants, socio-economic inequality, spatial pattern

Language used: English

Date on which the thesis was submitted / produced: 31. 5. 2022

Thesis defence

• Supervisor: doc. Ing. Mgr. Jaromír Harmáček, Ph.D.

Palacký University Olomouc

Faculty of Science

Master programme / field:
Development Studies and Foresight / Development Studies and Foresight - specialization in Global Development Policy