Afghanistan Women Health Information
Reported, December 15, 2011
In Afghanistan the lifetime average number of children per women is 7 compared with 2 in the UK.
10.3% of women of reproductive age report using (or a partner using) a contraceptive method compared with 82% in the UK.
No data are available on mammography screening rates or cervical cancer screening rates.
There is a moderate risk of anaemia in people from this country. Be alert to this possibility in recently arrived migrants, particularly for women and pre-school children, and test as clinically indicated.
Consider vitamin D deficiency in individuals who may be at risk as a result of their diet, skin colour or lack of sun exposure.
There is a high risk of vitamin A deficiency in this country.
Anaemia
There is a moderate risk of anaemia in people from this country (estimated prevalence in non-pregnant women 20-40%). Be alert to this possibility in recently arrived migrants, particularly for women and pre-school children, and test as clinically indicated.
Vitamin D deficiency
Sunlight is the major source of vitamin D and dark skinned individuals or those who for cultural or religious reasons cover their whole bodies when outdoors are at risk of deficiency, as are those whose diets (vegetarian/vegan) do not contain an adequate vitamin D supply.
Vitamin A deficiency
There is a high risk of vitamin A deficiency in this country.
Screen all new entrants (including children) from this country for TB.
This country has an intermediate prevalence of hepatitis B. Consider screening for hepatitis B, particularly among those who have recently arrived.
This country has a considerably higher prevalence of hepatitis C than the UK. Consider screening for hepatitis C.
Ensure all patients are up to date with the UK immunisation schedule.
Consider vitamin D deficiency in individuals who may be at risk as a result of their diet, skin colour or lack of sun exposure.
There is a high risk of vitamin A deficiency in this country.