Razi Journal of Medical Sciences

Background: Iron is one of most important element of body need during pregnancy that plays a significant role in developing and growth of fetus and safe delivery. Iron deficiency anemia is one of the most common problems of pregnancy that can induce premature labor and can increase risk of fetal mortality, post-partum bleeding and neonatal distress. This study has been conducted to evaluate the prevalence of anemia and some of its related factors in pregnant women whom covered by a health center affiliated to Zahedan University of Medical Sciences -2013.

Methods: This descriptive analytic study has evaluated 1194 pregnant woman referred to 3 health centers covered by Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Iran. In each center one observer interviewed with 56 pregnant women. Hb level and other required information obtained from their family health documents and a special questionnaire that contained 4 parts: demographic data (8 items), maternal data (12 items), nutritional & smoking data (7 items) & Lab data (1 item). All data were analyzed using analytic statistics and Chi square and logistic regression through SPSS v. 19.

Results: Overall prevalence of anemia in this study was 46.6% (in range of 22.2- 71.2). Significant difference was observed among the means of cities (p<0/001). Also prevalent of anemia was significantly different between rural & urban areas (p=0.007). This study also showed significant relation between anemia and mother education (p=0.03), prenatal care in previous pregnancy (p=0.0016), kind of last contraception (p=0.048), use of red meat (p=0.01), waterpipe smoking (p=0.001), use of supplement in previous pregnancy (p<0.0001), iron supplement therapy in current pregnancy (p<0.0001) and time of tea consumption (p=0.005). Regression analysis revealed that site of habituate (p=0.003), kind of last contraception (p=0.03), waterpipe smoking (p=0.046), time of tea consumption (p=0.005) haD significant effect on prevalence of anemia.

Conclusion: Comparison between results of this study and other national study- that reported mean prevalence of anemia in pregnant mother 21.5%, it was shown that prevalence of anemia in pregnant mothers of this state (Sistan & Baluchestan) is times of mean of country that maybe is influenced by economic and cultural factors. Thus, there is the need of special attention to safe nutrition program and effort for regular use of supplemental iron and folic acid and avoiding of water pipe and tobacco smoking in this area.