Estimation of prevalence and complications of iron deficiency anemia in pregnancy at Obio-Akpor, Rivers State, Nigeria from 2019 to 2023

Abstract

Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is the most common form of anemia in pregnancy and remains a significant public health problem worldwide, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. It is one of most common nutritional disorders associated with adverse maternal and fetal complications and increased perinatal mortality. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of IDA among pregnant women and maternal and fetal complications at Churchill and Rumunduru Model Health Centers in Obio-Akpor, Rivers State, Nigeria, between 2019 and 2023. A retrospective descriptive cross-sectional design was employed. The study reviewed 2290 antenatal records of pregnant women, 458 yearly and 229 per health center annually. Structured data extraction form was used to collect information on socio-demographic characteristics, obstetric history, hemoglobin levels, mean corpuscular volume, maternal and fetal complications. Systematic random sampling was applied to select eligible records. Prevalence of IDA in pregnancy revealed values of 58.60%, 74.00%, 60.10%, 54.10%, and 63.10% for 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023, respectively. Prevalence values ranged between 54.1% and 74.0% while overall value was 62.0%. Maternal complications observed included pre-eclampsia (9.1–22.3%), post-partum hemorrhage (10.5–25.1%), pre-term labor (7.4–22.3%), maternal distress (14.8–27%), pre-term birth (1.3–6.4%), pre-natal infection (0.4%), and post-natal infection (1.8–7.4%). Fetal complications identified were low birth weight (5.3–26.6%), pre-term (11.9–48%), fetal distress (13.2–21.8%), intrauterine growth restriction (0.4–5.5%), and fetal death (2.2–6.1%). IDA remains highly prevalent among pregnant women in Obio-Akpor, Rivers State, and is associated with maternal and fetal complications. The findings underscore the need for strengthened antenatal care interventions, including early screening, iron supplementation, nutritional counseling, and close monitoring of at-risk pregnancies to reduce adverse outcomes.