M Safavi, R Sheikholeslam, Z Abdollahi, M Naghavi, S Sadeghiansharif, E Sadeghzadeh, S Mohammadian,
Volume 2, Issue 3 (3-2006)
Abstract
Background & Objectives: Iron is a major essential micronutrient during pregnancy and has an important role in intrauterine fetal growth and safe delivery. This survey was designed to study the status of anemia, iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia in pregnant Iranian women. The results can help health policy-makers with the design and implementation of targeted strategies to overcome these problems.
Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 4368 women at gestational ages ranging from 6 to 9 months. Subjects were drawn through cluster sampling from 11 different regions of the country. Hemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit (Hct), mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and serum ferritin levels were measured and the prevalence of anemia, iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia (IDA) was determined both nationwide and separately in each region.
Results: Overall, 21.5% of the women suffered from anemia 42.7% were iron deficient and the prevalence of IDA was found to be 10.4%. The prevalence of anemia s was significantly greater in rural areas than in urban settings (22.2- 27.8% compared to 17.1 -21.6%, 95%CI). The highest prevalence of anemia and low Hct was seen in the women of region 5 (including Sistan and Baluchistan, South Kerman and South Khorasan with rates of 44.2% and 40.5% respectively). Region 6 (covering Isfahan, Yazd, Kohkilooyeh-Boyerahmad and North Kerman) had the lowest prevalence of anemia and low Hct (9% and 10.8% respectively). Use of iron supplements (even irregular) had a positive effect in reducing anemia. It affected Hct levels only when taken regularly.
Conclusions: Anemia is still a major health issue for pregnant Iranian women. Although supplementation should be continued, there is a need for more comprehensive interventions addressing all target groups, especially women of child-bearing age.
S Kolahi, A Kolahi, S Tehrani Ghadim,
Volume 4, Issue 1 (4-2008)
Abstract
Background & Objectives: Anemia is one of the most common disorders affecting all age groups. This cross-sectional study aimed to determine the prevalence of anemia and microcytic anemia in the population served by Asadabadi Health Center in Tabriz.
Methods: We used a systematic sampling method to select 1623 subjects out of a total of 233000 persons aged above 12 years. Measurements of hemoglobin, MCV (Mean Cell Volume) and in the case of anemia, serum iron, ferritin, TIBC (Total Iron Binding Capacity), together with hemoglobin electrophoresis and reticulocyte count were performed in reference laboratories. Data were analyzed using T tests and the Epi6 software package.
Results: The prevalence rate of anemia was 9.7% more than 75% of the cases were due to iron deficiency, while 11.4% were caused by minor thalassemia. Prevalence rates for iron deficiency anemia and minor thalassemia in studied population were 7.3% and 1.1% respectively.
Conclusion: Findings show that the degree of anemia- as defined in the WHO classification- is mild in this region. The most common cause of anemia is iron deficiency.
