Prevalence of Iron Deficiency Anemia and Associated Factors among Pregnant Women
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Anemia is defined as reduction in red cell mass which will decrease oxygen-carrying capacity of red blood cells to tissues that can be investigated in the laboratory by reduction in hemoglobin concentration (hemoglobin level of less than 11 gm/ dL) or hematocrit value is less than 33% [1]. Anemia in pregnant women is often caused by iron deficiency, which is the most common nutrient deficiency in the world, affecting more than two billion people globally. Although it is particularly prevalent in less developed countries, it remains a significant problem in the developed world, even where other forms of malnutrition have already been almost eliminated [2] during pregnancy and lactation nutrient requirement like iron is increase to support foetal and then infant growth and development [3]. The requirement of iron during pregnancy is around 1000 mg, 450 mg for red blood cells and uterine muscle, 270 mg for foetal iron, 170-200 mg for daily loss and 90 mg for placenta. There are additional needs for blood loss during delivery, 190 mg and lactation 1 mg/day assuming the stores are adequate, and a pregnant women average daily requirement is 3.4 mg/day [4]. Pregnancy is a period of increase requirement for micronutrient and that fulfil demands for physiological changes of mother and the foetus. During this period, the micronutrient such as iron, zinc and folic is the major marker that affects both the foetus and pregnant women [5]. Iron is an essential mineral to human. It is necessary for the synthesis of haemoglobin and myoglobin as well as for the function of many vital iron dependent enzymes in women of reproductive age iron deficiency anemia reduces cognitive ability and physical performance [6]. The greatest need for increased iron intake occurs in the second half of pregnancy. When the iron needs of pregnancy are not met, maternal haemoglobin Falls below 11 g/d. when the haemoglobin level is below 10 mg/ dL (haematocrit under 33%), iron deficiency is suspected [7] Inadequate intake or absorption of iron conjunction with blood loss during pregnancy may contribute to anemia. Iron deficiency and consequent anemia during pregnancy could be associated with severe complication like increase risks of maternal mortality and morbidity, premature delivery and low birth weight [8,9]. Iron deficiency is the most common and wide spread nutrition disorder in the world. It affects more than 80% of the world population. Iron deficiency anemia is one of the prevalent nutritional deficiency problem affecting pregnant women [10]. Tanzania pregnant women revealed that 95% of Tanzanian pregnant subjects were anaemic and all these women suffering from mainly iron deficiency. In India 65% to 75% of pregnant affected by anemia [11]. Factors responsible for this prevalence of anemia have been shown to be iron deficiency. Ninety five percent of pregnant populations of Multan area in partisan were anaemic of these 76% of macrocytic hypo chromic resulting from iron deficiency is the most frequent form of anemia [12]. In subSaharan Africa the prevalence rate for iron deficiency anemia in pregnant women is 58%. Nearly half of the pregnant women in the world to be anaemic [2]. A study done in 2014 in the urban area of eastern Ethiopia puts the prevalence of maternal anemia during pregnancy was 56.8%. This is relatively high prevalence what we have try to see from other research’s [13].