The Adequacy of Iron deficiency Anaemia (IDA) investigations and management thereof within the Namibian private health care system.

Abstract

Anaemia is a widespread public health problem with major consequences for human

health as well as social and economic development (WHO 2004). It is defined as a

condition characterised by haemoglobin concentration below established normal

reference levels that differ according to age, gender, population and other aspects

such as the geographical location and altitude (Silver, 2014). Iron deficiency anaemia

(IDA) is the most common type of anaemia. It is characterized by reduced red blood

cell production as a result of low iron stores. More than 2 billion people globally are

believed to be affected by IDA, and according to Pavord et al., (2011), it is

particularly prevalent in less developed countries. IDA is associated with worse

clinical outcomes that include diminished quality of life, prolonged hospitalization,

increased risk of maternal and child mortality as well as reduced work capacity of

individuals thus leading to serious economic consequences. Effective IDA

management that include the treatment and monitoring as well as other

preventative measures follows the prompt and accurate diagnosis. According to

Short (2013), the diagnosis of IDA requires laboratory-confirmed evidence of

anaemia, as well as evidence of low iron stores.

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