DOI: https://doi.org/10.36347/sjams.2025.v13i01.034

Pages: 215-222

Introduction: Anemia remains a significant public health challenge, particularly among women of reproductive age (15–49 years), due to its multifactorial etiology and profound health implications. This study explores the prevalence and contributing factors of anemia in Shibpur village, focusing on nutritional, socioeconomic, and reproductive health determinants. Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted in the Department of Community Medicine, Chittagong Medical College, Chittagong, Bangladesh, on 3rd September 2016. In this study, we included 150 women of reproductive age between 15-49 years from Shibpur village Sitakundu, Chittagong. Result: The mean age of the respondents was 30.23 years having a maximum number of respondents within the age group 20-40 years (86.33%). The majority of the respondents were housewives (79.33%) and 93% of the respondents were married. 67.33% were in the upper and lower middle class. The study found 22.67%, 60.33%, 15.33% and 2% were underweight, normal, overweight, and obese respectively. Lab investigation of hemoglobin estimation reported 30%, 40%, and 30% normal hemoglobin, mild and moderate anemic conditions respectively. Measurement of blood pressure revealed normal blood pressure in 54.67%, hypertension in 4.67% hypotension in 40.67% among the respondents. Conclusion: Although maximum women were at normal BMI significant percentages were found in underweight (22.67%) and overweight (17%). An alarming proportion 70% of respondents were anemic, mild, or moderate which are chief facts of concern. 40.67% hypotension is also a considerable indicator of dissatisfied nutritional status. Effective nutritional education programs and social awareness among rural women are a grave demand to promote the health of women of reproductive age (15-49 years) in Bangladesh.