Association between dietary patterns and hb concentration among young adult females

Anemia is a widespread public health problem associated with an increased risk of morbidity and mortality, especially in pregnant women and young children. It is a disease with multiple causes, both nutritional (vitamin and mineral deficiencies) and non-nutritional (infection) that frequently co-occur. Nutritional anemia refers to a reduced red blood cell count due to a poor diet which is deficient in iron, folate and/or Vitamin B12. This is a cross sectional study conducted in two administrative units in Southern province of Sri Lanka. Females between 20-50 years of age (n=152 from each administrative unit) were selected. Therefore, this study was conducted to assess the association between anaemia and the dietary habits in a female study population. Anemic status was assessed based on Haemoglobin (Hb) concentration where anemia is defined as Hb concentration <12 g/dl in females. When considering the relationship between Hb concentration and dietary habits in the study population, consumption of fish, white meat, green leafy vegetables and egg shows a significant positive relationship with Hb concentration.