The Spectrum of Iron Deficiency Anaemia in Northern Nigeria

Iron deficiency with or without anaemia has been a major challenge in many parts of the world. Nutritional deficiency, chronic haemorrhage due to hookworm infestation,gastrointestinal bleeding due to drug abuse and unhealthy dietary habits account for this disorder. In developing countries, this is complicated by malnutrition and chronic illnesses consequent upon worsening economic indices.The expertise for accurate assessment of iron status of the population is inadequate.This book provides a report of assessment of iron status in symptom-free adult males and pregnant women in northern Nigeria classified by socio-economic status. Analyses of the data indicate that more non-elite than elite males had iron deficiency anaemia. Iron deficiency anaemia was more frequent in the elite females than in elite males, reflecting a gender difference. More pregnant than non-pregnant women had iron deficiency anaemia and this was more pronounced in multiparous or in the third trimester of pregnancy. The work provides recommendations for the treatment of iron deficiency in pregnancy. Haematologists, gynaecologists, general and public health physicians and scientists would find the book useful.