The prevalence and determinants of iron deficiency anemia in rural Thai-Muslim pregnant women in Pattani Province
Piammongkol, S.; Chongsuvivatwong, V.; Williams, G.; Pornpatkul, M.
Southeast Asian Journal of Tropical Medicine and Public Health 37(3): 553-558
2006
ISSN/ISBN: 0125-1562 PMID: 17120979 Document Number: 603198
This cross-sectional survey was conducted between March and October 1997 in 5 randomly selected districts in Pattani Province, Thailand to investigate the prevalence and risk factors for iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) among Muslim pregnant women. A random sample of 30 out of 57 health centres serving these districts was chosen. All eligible pregnant women at 32-40 weeks of pregnancy without any overt disease were selected. Food intake and antenatal health history were assessed by a food frequency questionnaire, health questionnaire, and analysis of medical records. Of the 180 enrolled pregnant women, the prevalence rates of iron deficiency (ID), IDA, and other anaemia were 34.4%, 37.8%, and 7.8%, respectively. Of the faecal samples obtained from 130 women, 47%, 48%, and 25% were positive for hookworm, Ascaris and Trichuris, respectively. The number of antenatal care visits ranged from 0 to 8 (median value, 3). Of the women who received antenatal care, 97% reported receiving iron tablets. The compliance rate with iron tablets was low especially in the third trimester (9-12%). Ordinal logistic regression analysis showed that ID and IDA were significantly decreased in women with gestational period of >34 weeks, >3 ANC visits, and increased consumption of meat and calories, but were increased with hookworm infection. Compliance with iron tablet supplementation did not significantly reduce the risk for ID and IDA. Results indicate the need to develop strategies to reduce the incidence of ID and IDA among pregnant women in Pattani.