Association of Iron Rich Foods Consumption, Supplement Intake and Prevalence of Anaemia Among Pregnant Women in Owerri Imo State, Nigeria (P24-038-19)

Abstract

Objectives This study assessed the association of iron rich foods consumption, supplement intake and prevalence of anaemia among pregnant women in Owerri Imo state, Nigeria. Methods A cross-sectional study design was used, 429 pregnant women attending antenatal care were randomly selected from each of the five hospitals randomly selected from Owerri. Biochemical test (Haemoglobin determination) and a structured and pre-tested questionnaires was used for data collection. Data were statistically analyzed using Pearson correlation and Chi-square test with SPSS Version 22 at significance level of P < 0.05. Results Result shows that two third (72.3%) of the respondents were aged 26–35yrs, 72.3% were in the third trimester, 77.4% had multigravida, 43.4% had a birth spacing of 12–18months, 28.1% and 26.8% had loss a child at birth and caesarean delivery respectively, 51.0% commenced antenatal care visit at 13–24 weeks of their pregnancy, 75% had malaria and 39% were anaemic (17% mild, 17% moderate and 5% severe anaemia). More than half of the pregnancy women took folic acid (61.1%), B-complex vitamin (53.6%) and one third (35.9%) took Ferrous Sulphate at least once daily, 78% sourced their supplements from hospital. Most of the pregnant women consumed animal protein, green leafy vegetable and fruits at least 4 times weekly; there are significant (P < 0.05) associations between consumption of iron rich foods, supplement intake and prevalence of anaemia among pregnant women. Conclusions In conclusion, this study revealed a high prevalence of anaemia among pregnant women, moderate consumption of iron rich foods, poor intake of iron supplement and a significant association between prevalence of anaemia in pregnant women, consumption of iron rich food and intake iron supplement among pregnant women in the study area. Funding Sources Self Funded (Author).