Association between severity of anemia and maternal factors during pregnancy in Maternity Teaching Hospital-Erbil City

Abstract EN

Background and Objectives : Anemia is a global health issue with disproportionately high prevalence in women in developing countries.

In addition to being an independent risk factor for decreased quality of life and increased morbidity and mortality, anemia in women has been linked to unfavorable outcomes of pregnancy.

It is the most common nutritional disorder in the world affecting 2 billion people worldwide with pregnant women particularly at risk.

This study aimed to find out the association between severity of anemia with the following maternal factors : sociodemographic, medical and obstetrical history, diet and medication and clinical manifestation.

Methods : A descriptive study was conducted on 64 anemic pregnant women in Maternity Teaching Hospital / Erbil city, during the period Mar 1st to 30th June 2013.

A purposive (non-probability) sampling was used.

A questionnaire format was prepared by researchers which included following parts: sociodemographic data, medical and obstetrical history, diet pattern and medication, clinical manifestation and Hb level at admission.

Results : 57.8 % of the study sample had moderate anemia during pregnancy.

The majority of the study sample aged between 18-35 years, resident in urban area and were housewives.

There was significant association between severity of anemia with urban residency and number of taking leafy green vegetable/week.

There was no association between severity of anemia and following maternal factors: age, occupation, monthly salary income, educational level, previous medical and obstetrical history, current obstetrical history, diet pattern and medication.

Data was analyzed by using percentage and chi square Conclusions: Severity of anemia was associated with residency.

Recommendations : Work to increase the awareness programs to reduce the incidence of anemia during pregnancy Further studies have to done with more sample size because anemia during pregnancy is critical condition especially in case of severe anemia that increase the rate of morbidity and mortality .