Effect of Nutritional Program on Anemic Status and Pregnancy outcome among Pregnant Women Suffering from Iron Deficiency Anemia

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Assisstant Lecturer Maternal and Neonatal Health Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, 1,2,3,4,5Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt.

2 Professor Maternal and Neonatal Health Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, 1,2,3,4,5Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt.

3 Professor of Public Health and Community Faculty of Medicine Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt.

4 Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology Medicine Faculty of Medicine Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt.

5 Assistant Professor Maternal and Neonatal Health Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, 1,2,3,4,5Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt.

Abstract

Background: Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is the most common nutritional disorder during pregnancy. The aim of this study: was to determine the effect of nutritional program on anemic status and pregnancy outcome among pregnant women suffering from iron deficiency anemia. Subjects and Method: The study was carried out at antenatal inpatient units and outpatient clinics in obstetrics and gynecological department at Tanta University and El-Menshawy Hospitals and four governmental antenatal clinics in Tanta city. Convenient sample of 60 pregnant women were included in the study and fulfilling the inclusive criteria. Five tools were used: Tool (I):A structured interview schedule included four parts: (a) Socio-demographic data, (b) Reproductive history, menstrual history, antenatal booking and attendance of antenatal care classes regarding IDA, (c) Current health history of women included: medical, surgical and also family history (d) History of iron deficiency anemia during current pregnancy. Tool (II): Women's knowledge assessment interview: it included two parts: a) Women's knowledge about iron deficiency anemia and b): Assessment of pregnant women's self-care measures and nutritional habits regarding iron deficiency anemia. Tool (III): Iron Intake Calculation Food Frequency Questionnaire it was used to assess women's iron dietary intake. Tool (IV): Bio-physiological measurement included: (a) Anthropometric measurements :Body Mass Index and Mid Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC), (b) Physical examination: to assess signs of iron deficiency anemia, (c) Measurement of serum hemoglobin level on capillary blood using one touch hemoglobin device(d) Stool analysis: was done to exclude parasitic infestation. Tool (V): Outcome assessment tool: included two parts, (a) Maternal outcome assessment sheet and (b) Neonatal outcome assessment sheet. Results: Itrevealed that mean blood hemoglobin level had increased from (9.05±0.98) pre-program to (11.8±0.95) at the end of the 2nd trimester and (10.74±0.93) at the end of the 3rd trimester. Conclusion: Significant improvement of the level of knowledge, dietary habits, anemic status (hemoglobin level) and the maternal & neonatal outcome were found after implementation of the program. Therefore, the study recommended: developing antenatal educational classes for all pregnant women to increase their awareness about importance of early and regular antenatal care as well as proper screening for early diagnosis and effective management of IDA to improve their pregnancy outcome.