The prevalence and risk factors of anemia in pregnant women.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence and risk factors of anemia in pregnant women. METHOD: The pregnant women were screened with complete blood count, hemoglobin electrophoresis and serology tests for hepatitis B, syphilis and HIV. In cases of anemia, serum for iron and ferritin were investigated. Anemia was defined as a hemoglobin level less than 11.0 g/dl in the first and third trimester of pregnancy or less than 10.5 g/dl in the second trimester. Factors associated with anemia were analyzed by using student's t-test and chi-square. The statistically significant factors were tested with the use of multiple logistic regression. RESULTS: A total of 1,304 pregnant women were recruited. The prevalence of anemia was 19.2 per cent (251 cases). Classified in each trimester, the prevalence was 14.8 per cent, 20.5 per cent and 38.6 per cent in the first, second and third trimester, respectively. One hundred and sixty-one cases of anemia were available for serum iron and ferritin levels. Iron deficiency anemia, by means of serum ferritin, was detected in 32 cases (19.9%). An abnormal pattern of hemoglobin electrophoresis was detected in 367 cases (28.1%). Gestational age at first prenatal visit, abnormal hemoglobin electrophoresis and educational status were associated with anemia during pregnancy. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of anemia in pregnant women who first attended the prenatal visit was 19.2 per cent. Factors associated with anemia during pregnancy were gestational age at first prenatal visit, abnormal hemoglobin electrophoresis and educational status.