PREVALENCE AND DETERMINANTS OF ANAEMIA IN THIRD TRIMESTER PREGNANCY IN FAYOUM GOVERNORATE-EGYPT

Background: It is estimated that prevalence of anaemia by the third trimester of pregnancy is higher than that in early pregnancy despite routine intake of iron supplementation with higher incidence of low birth weight and preterm delivery. The aim of the current study is to measure the prevalence of anaemia in third trimester of pregnancy and identify its risk factors. Materials and methods: This study is a cross-sectional design carried out in antenatal clinic at Fayoum teaching Hospital. A total of 381 pregnant women in third trimester pregnancy were enrolled in the study. All enrolled subjects were interviewed using a structured questionnaire inquiring about age, education level, occupation, family income, pregnancy history, medical history, vitamin intake and nutritional history. A blood sample was examined for haemoglobin concentration from each enrolled woman and anaemia was diagnosed with haemoglobin level below 11g/dl. Results : Prevalence of anaemia in third trimester was 67% in the current study. Among many risk factors identified, yet the main independent predictors of anaemia in third trimester of pregnancy were multiparity, infrequent antenatal visits, irregular intake of iron supplement, low weekly intake of meat and fruits and frequent daily tea consumption. Conclusion : Anaemia by third trimester of pregnancy represents major health problem in this geographical area of Egypt. Its risk factors include personal, dietary and some aspects related to outcome healthcare delivered at this stage. Further researches are recommended to be carried out to study quality and compliance of antenatal services as well innovative approaches for iron supplementation