Prevalence of iron deficiency anemia during pregnancy in Jordan

ABSTRACT

The study was performed in order to determine the prevalence of iron deficiency anemia during pregnancy in various regions of Jordan. Materials and The sample consisted of 1030 pregnant women ranging in age from 16-40 years who were randomly selected from four geographic regions of the country. Blood samples were collected from each patient and a questionnaire was completed. Hemoglobin [Hb], total serum iron [TSI], total iron binding capacity [TIBC], and percentage of transferrin saturation were determined In addition, alkaline phosphatase activity [ALP] was measured in 100 anemic and 100 non-anemic women from the study group. The overall incidence of anemia was 56.7%. The mean concentrations of Hb, TSI, and TIBC in the samples were 9.8 +/- 1.4 g/dl, 23.3 +/- 12.5 micro g/dl, and 449.1 +/- 43.2 micro g/dl respectively. The prevalence of anemia was lower in subjects from the developed region [Amman] than in the other three regions In the Eastern region the prevalence was 68.3%; in the Western region the prevalence was 57.8%; and in the Southern regions the prevalence was 59.1%. Anemia was most prevalent in the youngest age group, in the third trimester of pregnancy, and in multiparous cases In addition, the anemic cases showed a higher activity of alkaline phosphates [168 +/- 8.8 u/L] than non-anemic cases [120.3 +/- 10.5 u/L] [P<0.01]. It appears that iron deficiency anemia is a serious problem in Jordanian women during pregnancy. An in depth investigation to clarify and remedy this problem is called for