Abstract

Background: Iron depletion is the most common nutrient deficiency worldwide and is the leading cause of anemia. Anaemia in pregnancy is a common clinical problem contributing to increased maternal and foetal morbidity. Previously few studies have highlighted this problem in developing country like Pakistan but the situation needs further exploration in pregnant women of less developed areas. The current study aimed to estimate the prevalence of iron deficiency anemia (IDA) among pregnant women of district Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Pakistan.

Methods: The study consisted of 300 pregnant women in the age group (18-40) years. Blood samples were collected from each pregnant woman and a questionnaire was completed at the time of blood collection. Hematological and biochemical profiles were determined and the collected data was analyzed using SPSS.

Results: In the current study the overall prevalence rate of iron deficiency anemia in pregnant women was (76.7%). Iron deficiency anemia was most prevalent in the second trimester (45.7%) as compared to first (16.1%) and third (38.2%) trimester pregnancy. Of the anemic cases, 42.6% have low iron stores and 43.5% have serum ferritin in a range of 12-30 ng/ml. In 60% of cases CRP was raised and 72.2% were multiparous. Of the study population, 65% were uneducated and 87% belonged to lower middle class.

Conclusion: This study concluded that anemia is highly prevalent among the antenatal women of this area and iron deficiency considered to the culprit behind this disease. Multiparty, low socio-economic status and low education are the contributory factors of iron deficiency anemia. There is a great need for further health education promotional programs to improve heath of pregnant women.

Keywords: Pregnancy; Haematological and biochemical profiles; Mardan; Anemia; Iron deficiency