PREVALENCE OF ANEMIA AND ITS ASSOCIATED FACTORS AMONG PREGNANT WOMEN ATTENDING ANTENATAL CENTER IN SHARJAH, UAE

Anemia during pregnancy is a common complication which can involve a mother's health, baby's health, or both. Socioeconomic status is affecting the prevalence of maternal anemia, which is varied substantially across regions and countries. Although, the prevalence of maternal anemia in UAE has not vet been well documented nationwide. Therefore, knowledge of the prevalence and determinants of low hemoglobin (Hb) levels will improve the health of pregnant women and upcoming generations. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of anemia and associated factors among pregnant women in UAE. Sharjah. The present study showed that the overall prevalence of anemia (Hb < 11 g/dl), was estimated to be 28.0%. The majority (16%) had mild anemia. There was no statistically significant difference between the anemic and nonanemic groups regarding socioeconomic and obstetric factors. Since, anemia among pregnant women is considered a moderate public health problem based on the World Health Organization classification of anemia. We recommend further studies to represent the whole nation and to assess the geographic location differences.