ASSESSMENT OF ANAEMIA AND WORK OUTPUT AMONG WOMEN EMPLOYEES AND ENTREPRENEURS IN AMAC FCT, ABUJA, NIGERIA

Abstract

Anaemia in Women of productive age is a major public health challenge and has a tremendous effect on the women
such as loss of productivity due to reduced work capacity. A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted to assess
the impact of anaemia on food security status and work output among 385 women employees and entrepreneurs in
Abuja Municipal Area Council, Federal Capital Territory Abuja. Using Heigh-to-meter and Bathroom scales,
Haemoglobinometer and Household Food Insecurity Access Scale, as well as Semi-Structured Self-administered
questionnaire. The data collected was analysed using simple frequencies, percentages, mean values and standard
deviation. Chi-square and correlation analysis were used to test for association among variables. The result showed
that haemoglobin (Hb) and Packed Cell Volume (PCV) levels do have relative impact on the job performance of the
women participants but showed a weak positive correlation between PCV range and Workers’ performance at a
significance level of 0.403 with significance level of 0.000 of overall performance and 0.000 of comparing
performance. Implying that PCV and Hb range increase result into concurrent increase in the wokers’ performance
and overall performance. This correlates widely with acknowledged stance that anaemia causes food insecurity and
low work output. Government and employers of labour should try as much as possible to improve on the welfare and
pay of their workers especially women folk to enable them afford nutritive and balance feeding, improving the overall
health status of women entrepreneurs.