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Article Type

Original Study

Abstract

Objective The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of anemia among pregnant women and estimate the effect of iron supplementation on hemoglobin concentration among the anemic participants. Background Anemia in pregnancy is a major health problem. It is the most common cause of maternal mortality. Severe anemia is associated with preterm birth, low birth weights, and a fetus small for gestational age. Most of the complications are preventable through increased awareness and improving health status of pregnant women. Participants and methods This was a cross-sectional study conducted in the family health center of Kafr Al-Sheikh city. The study included 200 pregnant women attending the selected family health center during the period of data collection. The studied group was assessed regarding their socioeconomic characteristics, obstetric history, and dietary history. Then, the hemoglobin level was estimated for the diagnosis of anemia. The anemic group received iron supplementation according to the recommendations in National Practice Guidelines for Family Physicians. The hemoglobin level was re-estimated after 4 weeks of taking iron. Results The study results revealed that the prevalence of anemia among the studied group was 32%. The majority of anemic women had mild anemia (92.2%). The most significant risk factor for anemia among the studied groups was a histtory of anemia [P = 0.000, odds ratio (OR)=18.18], followed by a low socioeconomic standard (P = 0.089, OR = 17.4), and then a long duration of menstruation (P = 0.000, OR = 14.16). There was a significant improvement in hemoglobin concentration after intervention (4.04 ± 1.68%). Conclusion There was a significant improvement in the hemoglobin level among anemic pregnant women after 4 weeks of oral iron supplementation according to National Practice Guidelines for Family Physicians.

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