Prevalence and Factors Associated with Anemia Pregnancy in a Group of Moroccan Pregnant Women

Abstract

Background: Pregnancy is typically accompanied by an increase of micronutrient requirements in general and especially iron. This increased need may be an additional risk factor for developing anemia. Purpose of the study: The aim of this study is to provide data on the prevalence of anemia of pregnancy in the maternity ward of the regional hospital in the city of Temara, and examine risk factors that may expose women to anemia during pregnancy. Materiel and Methods: A prospective cross-sectional study of a year was conducted to the hospital Sidi Lahcen in the city of Temara. Sociodemographic and nutritional data were collected through a questionnaire, obstetric and medical histories of women in labor and the results of biological tests were recorded from the patient obstetric file. Results: Among the 849 women surveyed, 690 (82%) had performed a blood count, and among these 117 (16.8%) were found anemic, with the following proportions: 57.6% had mild anemia, 41.5% had moderate anemia and a minority (0.8%) had severe anemia. The pregnant women aged over 35 years were the most exposed to anemia during pregnancy (47%) compared with younger women (p < 0.001). Women who had a history of anemia aside from pregnancy and those who had anemia in earlier pregnancies were more prone to developing anemia in the current pregnancy with a statistically significant difference (p < 0.001). The number of pregnancies, N. Hasswane et al. 89number of previous abortions and place of residence had no influence on the occurrence of anemia of pregnancy. The consumption of fortified flour with iron and vitamins as well as consuming iron rich foods was not a protective factor against the development of anemia of pregnancy. Tea consumption near the meal was not a factor exposing to anemia during pregnancy. Conclusion: Anemia is a public health problem in Morocco. Evidence from our study emphasizes the need to implement educational programs to improve the nutritional knowledge and sensitization of women.

Dietary Habits Associated with Anemia in Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Care Services

“…Studies conducted elsewhere have reported the association between drinking tea or coffee at meal times and anemia in pregnancy ( 37 , 38 ). The prevalence of anemia in this study is not in line with the studies conducted in Ethiopia, Ghana, and Morocco, which showed lower prevalences of anemia (32.8%, 50.8%, and 57.6%, respectively) ( 39 – 41 ).…”

Socio-economic, cultural and demographic profile of a group of Moroccan anaemic pregnant women

“…According World Health Organization 9 , our group is qualified as a population with severe anemia (more than 40%). Our results are in agreement with the results of other studies, 43.4% in Algeria 12 45.4% in Egypt 4, and 43.2% in Cameroon 13 , but they are higher than other regions in Morocco: 16.8% in Temara city 14 and 14.4% in Casablanca 15 . This difference is explained by disparities in living conditions between regions in Morocco, and the repercussions of the precarious living conditions on the population health, especially in rural area 16 .…”

“…However, pregnancy anemia, even moderate, when it is related to iron deficient, is a risk factor for preterm birth, and a growth retardation of newborn 12,21 . Several studies have confirmed the association of anemia with demographic, socioeconomic and cultural factors 22,23,14,12,18,24 . The present study has shown that the rural origin of the woman, her young age, illiteracy and low educational attainment, inactivity, low socioeconomic status and primiparity are the determinants that pro- Table II: Association between bio-demographic, socio-economic and cultural characteristics and anemia among pregnant women mote the development of anemia in pregnant women.…”

Prevalence and obstetric factors associated with anaemia among pregnant women, attending antenatal care in Unguja island, Tanzania

“…The prevalence of anaemia in this study is higher than a study conducted in Ethiopia, Indian and Morocco, which showed that prevalence of anaemia were 27.6%, 41.5% and 57.6% respectively. [17][18][19] The difference observed in these studies could be due to geographical factors and difference in nutrition practices among pregnant women. The prevalence of anaemia in this study is also higher than the national anaemia prevalence of 48% and 60% in Zanzibar.…”