“Prevalence of Iron Deficiency Anemia in Pregnant Women belongs to Rural Area of Kanpur a Systematic Area Based Study”

Abstract

Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is a significant public health concern, particularly among pregnant women from rural areas (1). This study aimed to identify the factors contributing to iron deficiency anemia in pregnant women from rural areas (2). A systematic area - based study was conducted among 603 pregnant women from rural area of Kanpur. Socio-demographic, dietary, and health-related data were collected through structured questionnaires and laboratories tests. The result showed that 360 of the participants had iron deficiency anemia.

Anemia in pregnancy, characterized by a hemoglobin level below 11 g/dL, is a significant global health concern (3). This condition is further classified by severity: mild (10.0-10.9 g/dL), moderate (7.0-9.9 g/dL), and severe (below 7.0 g/dL) (4). The World Health Organization estimates that 29.9% of pregnant women worldwide experience anemia (5), highlighting its widespread prevalence. While efforts to combat anemia, particularly in developing countries, have been ongoing, it persists as a major public health issue. Untreated or inadequately managed anemia during pregnancy can lead to a range of serious health consequences for both mother and child (7), including increased risk of premature birth, low birth weight, maternal mortality, and impaired cognitive development in infants. Therefore, effective prevention and treatment strategies are crucial for improving maternal and child health outcomes globally.

This study investigated the factors contributing to iron deficiency (ID) and iron deficiency anemia (IDA) in pregnant women in a rural area.  A cross-sectional study was conducted on 603 pregnant women, categorized as anemic (n=360) and non-anemic (n=243) based on hemoglobin and ferritin levels.  Data collected included demographic information, obstetric history, dietary habits, socioeconomic status, and access to healthcare services.  Results revealed a higher prevalence of IDA among women below 30 years old, those with multiple pregnancies and childbirths, lower body mass index, lower education levels, history of abortions, lower family income, lack of regular prenatal care, vegetarian diets, absence of iron supplementation and nutritional guidance, and frequent consumption of strong tea or coffee. These findings highlight the multifactorial nature of IDA in pregnant women and underscore the need for targeted interventions addressing socioeconomic disparities, dietary practices, and access to healthcare services, including prenatal care, iron supplementation, and nutritional counseling.  These interventions should prioritize young women, pregnant women, and those from low socioeconomic backgrounds to effectively combat IDA and improve maternal and child health outcomes (7,8).