Prevalence and Risk Factors of Iron Deficiency Anemia among Pregnant Women Admitted to Benghazi Medical Center, Benghazi, Libya

Abstract

Introduction: Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is among the most prevalent disorders of nutritional and hematological in nature amongst pregnant women. This study sought to assess the prevalence and associated risk factors of IDA in women pregnant admitted in the Benghazi Medical Center, Libya. Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out in 210 pregnant women admitted in the Benghazi Medical Center. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire. Lab investigations include complete blood count (CBC), hemoglobin (Hb), serum ferritin, serum iron, peripheral blood film and Vitamin D levels. Findings were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results: The prevalence of anemia in pregnant women was 20.5%. Most women were in the third trimester (176, 83.8%) and 194 (92.4%) women had singleton pregnancies. The prevalence of iron deficiency (serum ferritin <30 ng/mL) was 91.4% (192/210). Serum iron <37 µg/dL was found in 134 (63.8%) of women. Hematological indices show that 153 women (72.9%) had mean corpuscle volume (MCV) <80 fL whereas hematocrit (HCT) <33% was present in 206 (98.1%). Based on Hb levels, 176 (83.8%), 30 (14.3%) and 4 (1.9%) had moderate, severe and mild anemia respectively. Peripheral blood film revealed anisopoikilocytosis with microcytic hypochromic changes in 75 (35.7%) and microcytic hypochromic changes in 74 (35.2%) subjects. Potential risk factors for IDA include insufficient preconception care (198, 94.3%), chronic anemia (92, 43.8%), pica (66, 31.4%), improper intake of folic acid with iron (160, 76.2%) and vitamin C with iron (169, 80.5%). Additionally, high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency was detected in 200 (95.2%) participants. Iron supplement intake was 131 (62.4%) whereas iron supplements were not taken by 79 (37.6%). Conclusion: The study demonstrated a very high prevalence of iron deficiency anemia among pregnant women admitted to Benghazi Medical Center, with low serum ferritin, low serum iron, and microcytic hematological patterns being highly prevalent. The findings highlight the importance of early antenatal screening, preconception care, appropriate iron and folic acid supplementation, nutritional counseling, and regular monitoring of hematological and iron-status indicators among pregnant women in Libya.