PREVALENCE OF ANEMIA AMONG PREGNANT WOMEN ATTENDING CENTERS HEALTH FARDIS IN 2018

Background and Aim: Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) during pregnancy is a common nutritional disorder with adverse effects for the baby, such as premature birth and low birth weight, and the mother, such as cardiovascular symptoms and reduced physical and mental strength. Therefore, identifying factors effective on IDA will assist the improvement of the health of the mother and fetus. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of IDA in the first and third trimester of pregnancy and some related factors in pregnant women referred to healthcare centers in Fardis, Iran, in 2018. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 402 pregnant women, who were referred to 8 health centers in the city and had completed their pregnancy, were assessed through systematic sampling. Results: The mean age of the participants was 29.57 ± 5.857 and most participants were in the age group of 25-35, had, were homemakers, and experienced their first pregnancy. The findings of the study showed that the prevalence of IDA was 5% and 13.5% in the first and third trimester of pregnancy, respectively. Conclusion: According to the results, it seems that the prevalence of IDA was undesirable, especially in the third trimester. Since this eating disorder is a preventable complication and pregnant women are a group at risk of anemia, attention to the expansion of pre-pregnancy care increased awareness of mothers regarding appropriate nutrition and maintenance of a diverse and balanced diet, regular consumption of supplements, contraception in older women, and maintenance of appropriate intervals between pregnancies seem essential.

Keywords:

Iron Deficiency Anemia , Pregnant Women , Trimester , Hemoglobin , Iran