Prevalence and Correlation of Red Blood Cell Indices and Iron Deficiency Anemia among Patients Tested at Masvingo Provincial Hospital, Zimbabwe

Abstract

Iron deficiency anemia is a significant public health concern, particularly in developing countries. It affects a significant proportion of the population. This study assessed the prevalence of Iron Deficiency Anemia among patients at Masvingo Provincial Hospital from January 2024 to August 2024. The study also analyzed the correlation between Red Blood Cell indices and the diagnosis of Iron deficiency anemia. The study used a cross sectional designed which involved examining patient records of patients who were tested for Full blood Count at Masvingo Provincial Hospital. The study used the established criteria. A total of 97 patients were included in the study with data collected on clinical history and laboratory results. Ethical approval was obtained from the University’s research and ethics committee (AUREC). Permission was also obtained from MPH laboratory where the research was conducted. Also, this study adhered to ethical guidelines and principles to ensure the protection of the patients’ rights and welfare. Confidentiality and anonymity was maintained throughout the research process and all data was securely stored. The prevalence of Iron deficiency anemia was found to be 46% showing that it was a significant health issue in Zimbabwe. A correlation analysis was conducted using statistical methods to establish the link between red blood cell indices and Iron deficiency anemia. Results showed that lower MCH and MCV values were strongly associated with Iron deficiency anemia while MCHC also showed a moderate negative correlation. The mean MCV for all the IDA patients was 75.3 which was below the normal range of 80-100fL. The mean MCH for all IDA patients was 25.5 which was below the normal range of 27-32 pg. the mean MCHC for IDA patients was 31.6 which was below normal range of 32-36 g/dL. Out of 40 males, 17 had Iron deficiency anemia giving a prevalence of 42.5%. out of 57 females, 28 females had Iron deficiency anemia giving a prevalence of 49.1%. The gender-based prevalence is higher in females than in males. Strong negative correlations between RBC indices and Hemoglobin were seen. In conclusion, the study shows the high prevalence of iron deficiency anemia among patients tested at Masvingo Provincial Hospital and also establishes the inverse relationship between red blood cell indices and Iron deficiency anemia. The findings brought by this research advocate for the use of red blood cell indices as diagnostic and monitoring tools for Iron deficiency anemia. The study recommends nutritional interventions, supplementation, education and awareness, addressing underlying causes and also policy implementation in order to address the issue of Iron deficiency anemia.