Qanuippitaa? how are we? iron deficiency and anemia among women in Nunavik

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), there are over two billion people around the world suffering from anemia. Iron deficiency, which is the main cause of anemia, is the most common nutrition disorder worldwide (WHO, 1998). Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is particularly prevalent among babies, children, women, ethnic groups and low-income families and, to a greater extent, among people living in developing countries (WHO, 2001). In 2001, the prevalence of anemia among women was estimated at 10.3% in industrialized countries and 42.3% in non-industrialized countries (WHO, 2001). The prevalence of anemia in Aboriginal children of Canada is eight times higher than among similar non-aboriginal populations in Canada and is especially high among Inuit children (Christofides et al., 2005). Until now, the prevalence of anemia in Nunavik women was unknown, however it was suspected that similar results existed. WHO recognizes anemia as a widespread public health problem having major consequences on health as well as on social and economical development (WHO, 2001). The economic implications of iron deficiency are linked to the therapeutic costs involved in curing anemia, impaired pregnancy outcomes and the medical costs associated with a higher prevalence of certain infections