PREVALENCE OF IRON DEFICIENCY ANEMIA IN PREGNANT WOMEN (3RD TRIMESTER) IN AN URBAN POPULATION OF PAKISTAN

Abstract

Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is the most common nutritional disorder in pregnancy, with the third trimester being the period of highest physiological demand for iron.  Objective: To determine the prevalence of iron deficiency anemia among third-trimester pregnant women in an urban population and to assess its association with demographic and clinical variables. Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Unit-II, Ghulam Muhammad Mahar Medical College (GMC), Sukkur, from October 2024 to March 2025. A total of 111 third-trimester pregnant women meeting inclusion criteria were enrolled through non-probability consecutive sampling. Demographic, obstetric, and clinical data were collected using a structured proforma. Venous blood samples were analyzed for hemoglobin using an automated hematology analyzer and serum ferritin using an ELISA assay. IDA was defined as hemoglobin <11.0 g/dL and serum ferritin <30 ng/mL. Results: The mean age of participants was 28.4 ± 4.6 years, and the mean gestational age was 36.5 ± 1.8 weeks. The prevalence of anemia (Hb <11.0 g/dL) was 54.1%, iron deficiency was 47.7%, and IDA was 42.3%. Mild anemia accounted for 50.0% of cases, moderate anemia for 25.0%, and severe anemia for 3.3%. IDA prevalence was significantly higher in women from lower socioeconomic backgrounds (p=0.021), while associations with age, parity, and BMI were not statistically significant. Conclusion: IDA remains highly prevalent among third-trimester pregnant women in urban populations, particularly in socioeconomically disadvantaged groups. Routine screening using hemoglobin and ferritin, targeted dietary counseling, and timely supplementation are essential to mitigate maternal and neonatal risks.