An increasing number of women of reproductive age are experiencing anemia.

The goal of the new nationwide population study in China is to assess the prevalence of anemia among women of reproductive age, examine geographical differences, and explore the relationship between anemia and metabolic factors, particularly overweight and obesity.

The study, published in the journal Frontiers of Medicine, utilized data from the Meinian Healthcare Group, allowing for a better understanding of the epidemiological characteristics of anemia and the development of targeted intervention strategies.

From 2019 to 2021, the global prevalence of anemia among women remained relatively unchanged, having previously increased from 28.5% in 2013 to 29.9% by 2019. Anemia is a consequence of various diseases, including nutrient deficiencies and chronic infections. In China, the prevalence of anemia varies by demographic and geographical regions, with an increasing risk trend observed since 2010.

The study focuses on non-pregnant women aged 18-49, with anemia defined as a hemoglobin concentration of <120.0 g/L, adjusted for geographical altitude. Anemia was classified into mild, moderate, and severe categories, with moderate and severe anemia combined into a category of moderate and greater severity.

The study revealed that the overall prevalence of anemia is 15.8%, with 41.5% falling into the moderate and severe categories. Anemia is more common among older women, with the highest prevalence observed in those aged 40-44. Significant geographical differences in the prevalence of anemia exist: the highest prevalence is found in Sichuan Province, while the lowest is in Guizhou Province.

The research also identified a significant association between anemia, kidney function impairment, and cesarean delivery, while overweight and obesity show a weak connection to overall anemia but a significant association with moderate and severe anemia. The findings suggest that metabolic factors play a role in the prevalence of anemia, highlighting the need for comprehensive strategies aimed at addressing both anemia and metabolic disorders.

Limitations of the study include a focus on urban areas and a lack of clinical data for determining anemia subtypes. Despite these limitations, the study provides a reliable estimate of anemia prevalence and emphasizes the importance of considering geographical and metabolic factors in strategies to reduce anemia.

The findings call for increased attention to anemia among women of reproductive age and suggest that regulating metabolic risk factors could be crucial for reducing the burden of anemia.