RESUMO
This study aimed to determine the prevalence of anemia among pregnant women in rural areas of Belbis district, Sharkia Governorate, Egypt and to assess the effect of iron supplementation and nutritional educational program on the level of hemoglobin in blood. A cross-sectional study was conducted, followed by intervention prospective study. Women attended the antenatal clinics in two primary health care units of Belbis district through December 2000; which amount to 100 women 50 in each primary health care unit were included in this study. Data was collected as regard to their age, parity, educational level and occupation. All participating women were subjected to hemoglobin analysis during the first time, after one month and two months. Women with hemoglobin level less than 11 gm/dl were considered anemic. Chi-square and t tests [paired and unpaired] were applied to test the relationships among study variables. The prevalence of anemia among pregnant women at the first time booking was 55%. After the intervention nutrition education program and iron supplementation, the prevalence declined after three months down to 32%. While, the prevalence after the same period for pregnant women in the control group [non intervention group] was 46%. Both parity and educational level affected significantly the prevalence of anemia only among the intervention group. This study suggested that anemia is still high among pregnant women and integrated intervention programs should be considered prior to conception