Iron Deficiency Anemia Prevalence and the Factors Which Cause the Iron Deficiency during Pregnancy Term in Ankara Akyurt Region

Objective: This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of iron deficiency anemia in Akyurt region of Ankara and the factors that cause iron deficiency. Methods: 200 pregnant women, who were living in Akyurt between 01.03.2016 and 04.04.2016; and enrolled in the family health center covering all seven family medicine units, were included in the sample of our descriptive research. The questionnaire prepared by researchers was conducted on pregnants and their hemoglobin and hematocrit values were noted retrospectively from Akyurt State Hospital system. Results: The average age of pregnants was 26.84 +/- 5.64 (min: 16; max: 42). The pregnancies were divided into 3 groups according to the gestational week. 41.5%(n=83) of pregnant women were at first trimester(1-14weeks), 46%(n=92) of them were at second trimester(15-27weeks) and 12.5%(n=25) of them were at trimester(28-40weeks) according to the gestational week. Anemia rates were 5.7% in the first trimester, 8.8% in the second trimester and 14.9% in the third trimester. When all the pregnants were examined, it was determined that 13.15% of them were anemic. There was a statistically meaningful difference between the anemia rates of pregnants and consumption of tea, red meat and offal (p<0.05). However, no statistically meaingful difference was found between the anemia rates of the pregnancies and vegetable and fruit consumption (p>0.05). There was a statistically meaningful difference (p<0.05) between the anemia levels of pregnancies and the case of pregnancy at intervals more frequent than 2 years. Conclusion: Iron deficiency anemia in pregnancy is a frequent problem. Pregnancies should be given a good nutrition counseling to emphasize the importance of iron support.