Prevalence of Iron Deficiency Anemia in Unwanted and High Risk Pregnancies in Isfahan Province, Iran

This study aimed to assess the prevalence of anemia in unwanted and high risk pregnancies in the Isfahan Province، Iran.

This was a cross-sectional study. The sampling method used was multistage random sampling. The study population included all pregnant women referred to health centers، affiliated with Isfahan University of Medical Sciences، which had health records. In total، 7233 pregnant women were studied. Data was collected using the registration form and information obtained through maternal family documents. Their hemoglobin level was measured during pregnancy. SPSS software version 11. 5 was used. Descriptive and analytical statistics were performed.

The prevalence of anemia in the Isfahan Province was 9. 4%. The range of anemia was 2. 6% to 27. 2% and a significant difference between the prevalence of anemia was observed in different districts (P < 0. 001). There was a significant inverse relationship between the prevalence of anemia and maternal education (P < 0. 001). Moreover، there was a significant difference between the prevalence of anemia and age groups (P = 0. 006)، unwanted pregnancy and mothers age (P < 0. 001)، number of pregnancy (P = 0. 022)، prenatal care (P = 0. 016)، and pregnancy age (P < 0. 001). There was an indirect significant relation between prevalence of anemia and the mothers’ education (P < 0. 001). Logistic regression model revealed that pregnancy age، age of mother، unwanted pregnancy، pregnancy interval، and mothers’ education had significant effects on anemia.

Results of the present study highlighted the necessity of expanding prenatal care regarding appropriate dietary patterns and regular consumption of iron supplements، programs to promote iron supplements and folic acid before، during، and after pregnancy، and the importance of contraception in older women، and unwanted pregnancies