SUPPLEMENTARY IRON INTAKE DURING PREGNANCY

Abstract

Iron deficiency anemia is a major_ public health problem among women of reproductive age in most of the developing countries . Approximately 50% of pregnant women and 35% of non pregnant are anemic. In Egypt, the prevalence of anemia among pregnant women is still as high as 26%, despite of implementing iron supplementation program. This nutritional disorder, has profound negative effects on pregnancy outcome, health of mothers and babies. Strategies for combating iron deficiency anemia during pregnancy include: health education and dietary modification, control of infections & parasitic infestation, iron supplementation and food fortification with Iron. The aim of this work was to study supplementary iron intake during pregnancy. Through studying : I- The percent of anemia among pregnant women attending two PHC centers in Garbia governorate. One representing urban community "Said Health Center" and the other representing rural community "Shober Rural Health unit". 2- The risk factors of anemia among studied pregnant women. 3- The intake of iron supplementation distributed through "National Program for Prevention and Control of Iron Deficiency Anemia among pregnant women".