Prevalence of Anemia and Iron Metabolism Disorders in Pregnant Women Followed Up at the Abobo Health District, Abidjan, Ivory Coast

Abstract

Aims: The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of anemia and iron deficiency among pregnant women attending antenatal visits at the Eastern health district of Abobo in Abidjan, Ivory Coast. Study Design: Pregnancy causes metabolic changes that lead to numerous complications such as hemorrhage, hypertension, and anemia. The main cause of anemia is iron deficiency. However, iron status is not systematically assessed during pregnancy in Côte d'Ivoire. Therefore, the prevalence of iron deficiency anemia in this population is unknown. Place and Duration of Study: This study took place in five health centers located in the Eastern health district of Abobo, a constituent town of the city of Abidjan in Côte d’Ivoire, between February 2022 to November 2022. Methodology: Pregnant women were recruited during antenatal visits. After securing the patients' consent, the sociodemographic, clinical and biological data were collected using a survey form during an individual interview. Biological analyses such as whole blood cell count, serum iron and ferritin level assessment were performed. Results: 500 pregnant women were recruited, with an average age of 27.65 ± 6.28 years. The prevalence of anemia was 24.2% (121/500), with normochromic normocytic anemia being the most common type of anemia with 61.5% (101/500), followed by hypochromic microcytic anemia with 35.5% (60/100). Several iron metabolism disorders were identified, the most common being inflammatory syndrome with 26.0% (130/500), followed by inflammatory anemia with 17.6% (88/500), and iron deficiency with 10.4% (52/500). Conclusion: The efficient management of anemia in pregnant women depends on the etiology and requires testing with iron biomarker measurements, which will enhance the effectiveness of prenatal interventions.