European Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

A STUDY ON THE PREVALENCE OF IRON DEFICIENCY ANEMIA IN PREGNANT WOMEN OF KASHMIR REGION

Farzana Noor*, Khalid Shah, K. S. Rana, Dr. Pankaj Kaul and Qurat-Ul-Islam

ABSTRACT

Objectives: Iron deficiency anaemia is a prevalent and critical public health issue, particularly among pregnant women, due to its potential adverse effects on both maternal and fetal health. Considering its importance, in the present study, an attempt has been made to investigate the prevalence of iron deficiency anaemia in pregnant women of Kashmir region. Methodology: The cross-sectional study involved 200 pregnant women aged 18 to 45 years, with varying educational levels and socio-economic statuses, attending antenatal clinics at Aamina Hospital in Kashmir. Haematological parameters, including haemoglobin, serum iron, total iron-binding capacity, transferrin saturation, and serum ferritin levels were used to determine the prevalence of iron deficiency anaemia following standard procedures. Results: The results indicated a high prevalence of anaemia, with 65% of the participants having haemoglobin level below 11 g/dL, 60% with serum iron level below 50 µg/dL, 55% with TIBC level above 400 µg/dL, 70% with transferrin saturation below 16%, and 75% with serum ferritin level below 15 ng/mL. The study also revealed a strong correlation between maternal iron deficiency anaemia and low birth weight in newborns. Conclusion: The findings of the present study reported a high prevalence of anaemia in pregnant women from low socio-economic backgrounds in the Kashmir Valley, highlighting a high prevalence of iron deficiency anaemia among these pregnant women in the Kashmir region, also indicating a significant public health concern that requires immediate intervention. A critical aspect of the study was to found the relationship between maternal IDA and low birth weight in newborns.

Keywords: Iron deficiency anaemia, Pregnant women of Kashmir, Socio-economic factors, Haematological parameters, Maternal health.