Anaemia, Zinc and Copper Deficiencies Among Pregnant Women in Central Sudan

Abstract

Anaemia is a widespread problem in many parts of the world especially in tropic areas. Among pregnant women, it has negative consequences on maternal and perinatal outcomes. A cross-sectional study was conducted to investigate the prevalence of anaemia, iron, zinc and copper deficiencies among pregnant women in Wad Medani hospital, central Sudan and to examine the relationship of these micronutrients with haemoglobin (Hb) levels. One hundred four (52.5%) out of 200 pregnant women had anaemia (Hb < 11 gm/dl) and 3 (1.5) % had severe anaemia (Hb < 7 gm/dl). Iron deficiency (S-ferritin < 15 µg/l), iron deficiency anaemia (<11 gm/dl and S-ferritin < 15 µg/l) were prevalent in 25 (12.5%) and 13 (6.5%) of these women, respectively. Ninety (45.0%) and eight (4.0%) of these women had zinc (<80 µg/ml) and copper (<80 µg/ml) deficiency, respectively. In 24 (12.0%) of these women, there were ≥2 deficiencies of these elements. S-copper was not [corrected] significantly lower in patients with anaemia. While age, parity, gestational age, ferritin, zinc and copper were not predictors for anaemia, women who practiced pica were at higher risk for anaemia (OR = 3.4, 95% CI = 1.4-7.9, P = 0.004). Gestational age was significantly inversely correlated with haemoglobin (r = 0.161, P = 0.03), S-ferritin (r = 0.285, P = 0.001) and S-zinc (r = 0.166, P = 0.02). Thus, dietary and supplement interventions are required to prevent and control anaemia in this setting. Further research is needed.

Prevalence of zinc deficiency and its association with dietary, serum albumin and intestinal parasitic infection among pregnant women attending antenatal care at the University of Gondar Hospital, Gondar, Northwest Ethiopia

“…Other possible explanation may be urban-rural difference, as the previous studies in India and Sidama targeted only rural areas. The result of the present study was relatively higher than reports from Eastern Sudan (38 %) [32], Central Sudan (45 %) [17], Malawi (36 %) [33], Vietnam 29 % [34], Bangladesh 14.7 % [35], and Iran 49 % [21]. The reason for this difference probably is due to nutritional regiment; cultural differences in food preparation and feeding habit.…”

“…All the studies consistently witnessed the public health significance of ZD in the country. Other studies conducted in Kenya [16], Sudan [17], Cameroon [18], India [19], Nepali [20] and Iran [21] also reported high prevalence figures.…”

Zinc, Parity, Infection, and Severe Anemia Among Pregnant Women in Kassla, Eastern Sudan

“…This was the highest rate of severe anemia ever reported among pregnant women in eastern and central Sudan [2,11] as well as among pregnant women in other African countries [12]. Unlike our previous reports in the central and eastern Sudan [2,11], primigravidae were at three times higher risk for anemia in this setting. The gravidity and its association with anemia were reported previously from the neighboring Ethiopia [8].…”

“…Recently high prevalence of zinc deficiency (45.0%) was reported among pregnant women of central Sudan as well as among pregnant Ethiopian women [8,11]. Difference in the nutritional habits-which can determine zinc intake-could explain the differences between these studies and ours.…”

Zinc and copper levels in low birth weight deliveries in Medani Hospital, Sudan

“…A high rate of zinc and copper deficiency has been reported among pregnant Sudanese women, regardless of their age and parity [19]. There are few published data on maternal and cord levels of zinc, copper, and LBW deliveries, with contradictory results [14,15,20-22] Therefore, these elements need to be investigated in LBW neonates to provide health planners and care-providers with fundamental data necessary for appropriate intervention.…”