Prevalence of anemia and associated risk factors among pregnant women in an urban community at the north of Saudi Arabia: Anemia in pregnant women Saudi Arabia

Background: Anemia in pregnancy is common public health problem with poor outcome for both mother and child. This study, aimed to determine the prevalence of anemia and its associated factors among pregnant women in an urban community at the north of Saudi Arabia. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out among 390 pregnant attending for antenatal care in one of eight Primary Health Care (PHC) centers in Hail city, Saudi Arabia. Results: Among participants, 133 (34.1%) were anemic (hemoglobin level < 11 g/dl). Out of which, 24.9% were mildly anemic, 9.2% were moderately anemic and none of the participant was found to be severely anemic. The prevalence of anemia increased significantly with low income (p=0.026), bigger family size (p=0.020), increased parity (p=0.023), longer menstrual cycle >5 days (p=0.042), bleeding during pregnancy (p=0.028), infrequent intake of meat (p=0.020), the habit of drinking tea just after meals (p=0.019), past history of anemia (p<0.001), clinical anemia (pallor) (p<0.001). On the other hand, increased BMI (p=0.002) and frequent intake of food from restaurants (p=0.008) were found to be negatively associated with anemia among pregnant women. Conclusion:  In urban Hail, anemia among pregnant women was a moderate public health problem. Findings in this study gives insight to heath care providers about the importance of early detection and management of anemia in early pregnancy and the worth of advising women in preconception period and during antenatal care on adequate intake of iron rich dietary sources and supplementation with iron and folic acid