Determinants of Iron Deficiency Anemia Among Pregnant Females Visiting Tertiary Care Hospitals, Lahore

Determinants of Iron Deficiency Anemia

Abstract

Iron deficiency anemia refers to the anemia caused by insufficient iron stores within the body. The main cause of anemia in obstetrics is iron deficiency, which has a worldwide prevalence estimated between 20%–80% and constitutes mainly female population. 

Objective: To find out the determinants of iron deficiency anemia amongst pregnant women visiting Tertiary Care Hospitals, Lahore.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Lahore. A sample of 245 pregnant female patients was selected through non-probability convenient sampling technique. Data were collected with the pre-tested questionnaires. SPSS version 21.0 was used for data analysis.

Results: Amongst social determinants, socioeconomic status had a signifcant effect on iron defciency anemia; as 82% women belonged to low socioeconomic status. Among dietary determinants, less consumption of red meat was a major factor affecting IDA as 95% women were not consuming red meat more than two times a day thus contributing to overall iron defciency. Amongst clinical factors, lack of thorough clinical checkup before conception was a major factor as 79% women did not have regular clinical checkup before pregnancy.

Conclusions: Major determinants linked with IDA were dietary habits and practices such as preferring vegetables over meat, less overall consumption of red meat and excessive consumption of tea and coffee. Other determinants affecting IDA include low socioeconomic status, little or no gap between pregnancies and lack of knowledge and education concerning dietary practices during pregnancy.