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INTRODUCTION: Anemia can be defined as a reduction in the amount of hemoglobin (Hb) in red blood cells (RBCs). It is becoming a growing socioeconomic issue. It is important to identify the causes of anemia and educate people about its symptoms. This can aid in the early identification and diagnosis of anemia, thereby preventing the disease's complications. The complications of anemia include the risk of low birth weight, prematurity, prenatal and neonatal mortality, and maternal mortality. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study is to investigate the factors contributing to anemia among working-class women employed in government or private sectors located in Karachi, Pakistan. By identifying the causes and risk factors of anemia, participants can be counseled to adopt a healthier lifestyle, a well-balanced diet, and activities that may eliminate the causes of anemia, further preventing the incidence of anemia. The objectives of the study are specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and time-bound (SMART). The study was conducted from November 2019 to August 2021 despite facing COVID-19-related restrictions. The sample size fit the inclusion criteria, and the objectives were accomplished successfully with adequate resources. METHODOLOGY: The cross-sectional study was conducted after receiving clearance from institutions and consent from participants. A total of 180 participants provided consent after receiving a thorough explanation of the study, and they had the right to refuse to participate. In respect of confidentiality, the participants were not required to provide their names, as they were not included in our data analysis. The inclusion criteria included women of the working class, aged 18-45 years, working a minimum of four to five hours per week, and employed in government or private sectors located in Karachi, Pakistan. The exclusion criteria included women with bleeding or hematological disorders, a history of surgery in the last 12 months, pregnancy, or systemic disease. Data collection was divided into two sections: section one (questionnaire) and section two (investigations). The questionnaire was given to each participant via Google Forms and was filled out before section two of data collection, which included blood tests via a finger prick to measure hemoglobin with a Veri-Q Multi Meter hemoglobin monitoring system (manufactured by Q-line BIOTECH, New Delhi, India). RESULTS: The mean Hb was 11.15 ± 1.29 mg/dl (n = 180). The study revealed that 58.3% of the participants had a normal hemoglobin concentration according to the WHO anemia classification, while 41.7% were anemic. Overall, the prevalence of anemia was 41.7%, and the majority (56%) of the participants had mild anemia. CONCLUSION: The majority of the participants had mild anemia. Education on anemia and its symptoms, eating habits, occupational status, and stress-related factors can affect the hemoglobin concentration in RBCs. A diet low in meat, leafy vegetables, and fruit leads to anemia. Despite knowledge of anemia and its symptoms, non-medical professionals, especially young adults, had a higher prevalence of anemia than medical professionals, although the difference was minor.
RESUMO
Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) value and contrast sensitivity (CS) in people with Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and no diabetic retinopathy (DR) changes. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the endocrinology department of a tertiary hospital and included 120 participants aged 30-40 years with T2DM without DR and with visual acuity of 6/6 in both eyes. Lea CS charts with one symbol size (10M) were used to measure CS. The relationship between HbA1c value and CS was calculated using linear regression analysis. Results: Of 120 participants with T2DM without DR, 83 (69.2%) were female. Sixty-four participants (53.3%) were in the 36-40 years age group. Mean known duration of diabetes was 3.3±1.65 years. Mean HbA1c value was 10.46±1.48%, with three-fourths of participants having an HbA1c value greater than 8%. Mean CS measured at distances of 1 meter, 2 meters, 3 meters and 4 meters were 164.75±21.12, 122.0±45.08, 93.0±45.37, and 58.67±20.04, respectively. Most participants (n=113, 94.2%) had normal CS (170 at 0.6% contrast) tested at 1 meter. More than half (53.3%) of the participants had reduced CS (40 at 2.5% contrast) at 4 meters. CS measured at 3 meters showed a strong negative correlation with duration of diabetes (r=-0.855, p<0.001; R2=0.731) and HbA1c values (r=-0.865; p<0.001; R2=0.747). Conclusion: CS was inversely associated with diabetes duration and HbA1c values in people with T2DM before any defect in visual acuity or clinical evidence of DR.
