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Investigation of factors influencing the occurrence of anemia among pregnant women accessing comprehensive health service centers in Sarakhs County

Document Type : Original article

Authors
1 Ph.D, Health Education, Health Education and Health Promotion Group, Faculty of Health, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran Ph.D, Health Education, Social Factors Affecting Health Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
2 Ph.D, Health Education, Social Factors Affecting Health Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
3 Bachelor of Public Health, Sarkhes Health Center, Vice Chancellor of Health, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
4 Doctorate, Sarkhes Health Center, Vice Chancellor of Health, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
5 Master of Health and Medical Services Management, Sarkhes Health Center, Vice Chancellor of Health, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
6 Bachelor of Nutrition, Sarkhes City Health Center, Vice Chancellor of Health, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
7 Bachelor of Midwifery, Sarkhes City Health Center, Vice Chancellor of Health, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
8 Professional Doctorate, Sarkhes City Health Network, Vice Chancellor of Health, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
9 Ph.D, Health Education, Social Factors Affecting Health Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran Associate Professor, Department of Health Education and Health Promotion, Faculty of Health, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
Abstract
Background and Aims: Anemia is recognized as a significant nutritional issue, with multiple etiological factors contributing to its prevalence. This condition poses considerable risks during pregnancy and the postpartum period. The objective of this study is to evaluate the factors associated with the prevalence of anemia among pregnant women who visit the comprehensive health service centers in Sarkhes city in the year 2024.
Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional analytical study utilized pregnancy care form data collected from 904 individuals attending both urban and rural comprehensive health service centers in Sarkhes city, as part of the Integrated Health System (SINA). The data were analyzed using SPSS software version 25, employing the Chi-square statistical test and Fisher’s exact test, with a designated significance level.
Results: The overall prevalence of anemia in the region was 17.7%, with an estimated distribution of 62.5% among rural women and 37.5% among urban women. The prevalence rates of anemia during the first, second, and third trimesters were 5%, 3.4%, and 5.7%, respectively. Place of residence, ethnicity, body mass index (BMI), gestational age, infants weighing under 2500 grams, and iron intake were significantly associated with maternal anemia (P < 0.001).
Conclusion: Although the prevalence of anemia in the Sarakhs region is mild, it remains essential for specialists and healthcare providers to identify risk factors and implement preventive measures. These measures should include prenatal care and proper nutritional counseling with emphasis on iron supplementation during pregnancy to reduce anemia rates effectively.
Keywords

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