Factors That Influence Iron Status of Pregnant Women in Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu State, Nigeria

Iron deficiency, the commonest nutritional disorder worldwide, has serious impact on pregnant women. The prevalence of anaemia among pregnant women in Africa ranges from 47% in East Africa to 56% in West Africa. Among Nigerian women, South-eastern Nigeria has the highest prevalence (61%) of iron deficiency anaemia. The study investigated the factors that influence iron status of pregnant women in Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu State, Nigeria. The respondents comprised 386 pregnant women randomly selected in Nsukka Local Government Area. A validated structured questionnaire was used to collect information on respondents’ socio-economic and obstetric characteristics. Determination of haemoglobin concentration (Hb) was used to assess the respondents’ iron status. The result showed that less than half (44.1%) of the respondents had normal iron status, while 55.9% of the respondents had varying degrees of iron deficiency. Mean Hb of the respondents was 10.87±0.99g/dl. Iron status of the respondents was significantly (P<0.05) influenced by age, occupation, educational and income levels. Respondents below 20 years had significantly lower Hb (P<0.05) than other ages. Artisans, farmers and traders had significantly lower Hb (P<0.05) than other occupational groups. Hb significantly increased with increase in educational and income levels (P<0.05). Women’s nutritional/health status hinges on improved educational/economic empowerment, and is further impaired by early marriage and teenage pregnancy. Women’s education must be highly prioritized, and community-based approaches employed for promotion of girl-child education and prevention of adolescent marriage/pregnancy. More income generating activities/entrepreneurial skills for women are imperative to boost their income and spending on family food.Key words: iron status, influencing factors, pregnant women, Nsukka