Abstract
BACKGROUND: Anemia is a common blood disorder in developing countries and is associated with diseases such as diabetes, as well as cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between anemia and anthropometric profiles in the Tabari cohort population. Study Design: A case-control study. METHODS: In this study, we used a subset of data collected during the first phase of the Tabari cohort study (TCS). All participants who had anemia were included in the case group (1352 individuals) using the census method. The control group (1352 individuals) consisted of participants who did not have anemia and were randomly selected from the remaining participants. The case and control groups were matched for age and gender. Anthropometric indices, including body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), were measured by qualified and trained persons. Hematological indices were measured, and data were analyzed using the chi-square test and independent t test. A multiple logistic regression analysis was used to adjust for possible confounding variables. RESULTS: The place of residence, education level, socioeconomic status, WC, BMI, and WHR were significantly different between the case and control groups (P<0.05). Anthropometric indices, including BMI (adjusted OR=0.75; 95 % CI 0.61, 0.91), WC (adjusted OR=0.86; 95 % CI 0.74, 1.00), and WHR (adjusted OR=0.75; 95 % CI 0.64, 0.88), were significantly different between the case and control groups (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Anthropometric indices were associated with anemia, and participants with higher BMI, WC, and WHR were less likely to develop anemia.