A survey of the anemia status of pre-school age children, pregnant and lactating women in Jamaica (revised)

ABSTRACT

An island-wide anemia survey was conducted in Jamaica on pregnant and lactating women and pre-school age children. The results indicate that anemia is a serious public health problem in Jamaica. Sixty one point six percent of pregnant women had hemoglobin levels below 11.0 g/dl. Fifty-eight point seven percent of lactating women had hemoglobin levels below 12.0 g/dl. Sixty-nine point one percent of pre-school age children had hemoglobin levels below 11.0 g/dl. Public health and fortification programs for the control of anemia have been implemented by the government and are currently being reviewed