Pregnancy associated Iron Deficiency Anemia from selected Rural Areas of Sargodha-Punjab, Pakistan

Author(s) : Naveed Munir, Tahira Zahoor, Zahed Mahmood, Muhammad Riaz, Muhammad Akram, Muhammad Jahangir & Syed Muhammad Ali Shah

Abstract:

Objective:
Anemia during pregnancy is a frequent medical problem that contributes to increased maternal and fetal morbidity. Current work was planned to investigate the iron deficiency anemia associated with pregnancy.
Material and Methods:
A total of 150 pregnant females with different trimester and different history of gravida were selected from different rural areas of Sargodha District Punjab-Pakistan. A questionnaire was completed and blood samples were collected from all subjects to determine the concentration of Hemoglobin, serum Iron and Total iron binding capacity.
Results:
Study results revealed that prevalence of iron deficiency anemia is more significant (p<0.05) during second trimester with Hemoglobin concentration (9.1±1.7 g/dL), iron (29±5.1 µg/dL) and TIBC (367±91 µg/dL) as compared to first and third trimester. Furthermore, the results showed that prevalence of iron deficiency anemia is 89% with hemoglobin < 11.0 g/dL; of which mild anemia was 47 % (Hb 9-11 g/dL), moderate anemia 33% (Hb 7-8.9g/dL), severe anemia 08% (Hb <7 g/dL) and only 11 % pregnant female have hemoglobin > 11 g/dL.
Conclusion:
It could be concluded that iron deficiency anemia is significantly associated with progression of gestational period which is more prevalent in rural areas of Sargodha. Further, this condition could be controlled by improving the socioeconomic status of local population as well as with iron supplementation.

Key Word: Anemia, iron deficiency, pregnancy, rural areas