Haemopoetic Status of Working and Nonworking Lactating Mothers and their Infants of Ludhiana

Sixty urban women of Ludhiana aged between 21 - 35 yrs from middle socio economic group were selected in the sixth month of loctation. The subjects were divided equally into working (W) and nonworking (NW) groups. The mean per capita monthly income was Rs. 1367/- and Rs.1660/- respectively. Anemia was highly prevalent (75% in WG and 65% in NWG) and its deficiency symptoms like pale conjuctive, paleness of skin and fatigue were also evident. The incidence of cold, cough and joint pain occurred more frequently (P ≤ 0.01) in WG. Occasional incidence of backache, indigestion and hypertension were also observed in WG. The mean values of hemoglobin (Hb) among WG and NWg were 9.8±1.23, 10.7±1.67 and 9.6±1.12, 10.5±1.41 g/dl during 6th and 9th month respectively which were less than the normal Hb level of 12 g/dl. It was observed that health, morbidity and haemopoetic status of mothers of NWG was better as compared to WG. This could be due to more stress, strain, tension and over exposure to dust and weather among the subjects of WG. Improper utilization of health services could be an important factor responsible for poor nutritional status. Hence there is need to take immediate steps to control anaemia by instructing them to take iron rich foods and folifer tablets which are supplied free of cost from the civil dispensaries.