Anemia in women of reproductive age in Ecuador: Data from a national survey

Anemia is a condition characterized by a decline in the number of functional red blood cells or hemoglobin. Women of reproductive age from low- and middle-income countries are at higher risk of anemia, which could lead to prenatal, obstetric and perinatal complications. The aim of our study was to explore associations between anemia status and a set of demographic, socio-economic and reproductive factors, among Ecuadorian women of reproductive age (WRA). We used data from non-pregnant, WRA ([greater than or equal to]12 and [less than or equal to]49 years) women enrolled in the nationally representative cross-sectional Ecuadorian National Health and Nutrition Survey 2012 (ENSANUT-ECU 2012). Anemia and moderate-severe anemia were assessed using hemoglobin concentrations cutoffs of