Iron deficiency and associated anemia are severe public health problems, which are prevalent in the developing
world. We conducted a cross-sectional survey, comprised of written interview questions and laboratory analysis
of blood biomarkers, in Kandal Province, Cambodia. The objective of this study is to examine possible factors
that are associated with anemia in rural Cambodia. Data on socioeconomic status, water source/treatment practices,
and meat consumption was also collected. Of the 297 women surveyed, 51.2% were anemic. Of those women
found to be anemic, iron deficiency was implicated in 9.7% of cases (SF <15 ng/L), with an additional 18.5% reported
to be borderline iron deficient (serum ferritin=15-30 ng/L). Meat consumption was very low, with nearly
one-half of the women consuming meat one time per month or less. This study highlights the multi-faceted etiology
of anemia in Cambodia and emphasizes the need for comprehensive nutrition surveying in order to better inform
prevention and treatment programming and policy development.