Abstract

In this study an attempt was made to determine the factors affecting anemia in female industrial workers. The population was identified through the records of screening examinations given by Kosin Medical Center to the industrial workers in Sasang Industrial Complex during the period from March 1987 to October 1988. One hundred twenty eight cases were selected from the records screening examination of 155 anemic patients. A case-control study was carried out using matched 128 anemic cases and 128 non-anemic workers who were selected by simple random sampling. Age was matched, and their occupational history, general characteristics, physical characteristics and health status were analyzed. The results were; 1. In the anemic group, educational level was lower, and the frequencies of irregular menstruation and poor appetite were higher than in the control group but these differences were statistically not significant. 2. The percentage of working with organic solvents, working hours and years of service (total years exposed to organic solvents) were significantly higher in the anemic group than those in the control group. 3. A career exposed to organic solvents was more influential factor affecting anemia in the female industrial workers rather than menstruation amount of other factors, and it was statistically significant.