Investigation of the Correlates of Iron Deficiency Among Non-Pregnant Child-Bearing Age Females, (18–49 years) Using the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey III – National Data Set (NHANES III-1988–1994)

Abstract

One of the Healthy People 2010 Objectives is to reduce iron deficiency to 7% or less among reproductive age women. This study examined the correlates of iron deficiency among 2,942 non-pregnant women aged 18–49 years in a representative sample using the NHANES III Data Set. Even though the overall prevalence of iron deficiency was 6.6%, disparities were notable among ethnic minorities, with iron deficiency rates of 7.7% for African Americans and 9.2 % for Mexican Americans. Existing systems should be utilized to focus attention on iron deficiency; including the elevation of “iron deficiency” to a focal point for agencies mandated to address minority health issues and appropriate interventions for non-pregnant women with health care coverage.

KEYWORDS:

• iron deficiency
• health disparities
• women's health
• minority health
• 2010 health objectives

Notes

Alaimo, K. and R. R. Briefel (1998). Food insufficiency exists in the United States, results from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III). American Journal of Public Health 88, no. 3, 421–426.