Evaluation of effectiveness of iron-folate supplementation and anthelminthic therapy against anemia in pregnancy--a study in the plantation sector of Sri Lanka.

Intervention measures against anemia available to plantation workers during pregnancy include fortified food supplements (thriposha) and iron-folate supplements containing 60 mg elemental Fe. The effectiveness of these intervention measures was studied in 195 subjects whose iron and nutritional status were assessed at < 24 and > 32 wk of gestation. Taking thriposha conferred no significant benefit on maternal nutritional status, probably because sufficient amounts were not consumed. An increase in the duration of iron-folate supplementation to > 17 wk caused a significant positive change (P < 0.01) in hemoglobin, whereas an increase in the dose frequency had no significant benefit. Anthelminthic therapy in addition to iron-folate supplements caused a significant positive change in hemoglobin (P < 0.001) and serum ferritin (P < 0.005) compared with no supplementation. Thus, anthelminthic therapy significantly increased the beneficial effects of iron supplementation on hemoglobin concentration and iron status.

A secondary analysis of determinants of low birth weight.

Data from 245 children of low birth weight on estates in Kalutara and Nuwara Eliya are analysed in relation to age, parity, and work load of the mother during pregnancy. A multivariate analysis shows that the last birth interval and the number of visits to the clinic are important variables besides variables like duration of pregnancy, poor weight gain and previous abortions.