FIGURE 2.

Percentages of adjusted relationships between ferritin concentrations and BMI mediated by CRP and/or AGP among WRA (15–49 years) with normal weight to overweight or obesity in 18 surveys in order of ascending mean BMI (left to right) from the BRINDA Project. Surveys with mediated effects are displayed with the percentage indicating the proportion mediated by CRP or AGP or unexplained (3% in Laos). Surveys without data indicate no mediation was observed. Both CRP and AGP were measured in 4 of the 10 surveys with mediation: Laos, Cambodia, Pakistan, and Azerbaijan. Ferritin concentrations were measured in serum or plasma, as reported in the survey. Covariates available for adjustment were age, education level (respondent or household head), household socioeconomic status, access to an improved water source, access to an improved toilet, and urban or rural residence. Covariates were included in mediation models if they were associated with the outcome variable at P < 0.1 in bivariate models (Supplemental Table 6). The inclusion criteria were having a BMI ≥ 18.5 kg/m², not being pregnant, and having a negative malaria test result. AGP, α-1-acid glycoprotein; BRINDA, Biomarkers Reflecting Nutritional Determinants of Anemia; CRP, C-reactive protein; WRA, women of reproductive age.