Hemoglobin levels and prevalence of anemia in pregnant women assisted in primary health care services, before and after fortification of flour

Abstract

We evaluated hemoglobin-Hb levels and prevalence of anemia in pregnant women before and after fortification of flour. It was developed a study to evaluate intervention, of the type before and after, with independent population samples. Study was conducted in primary health care services in Maringá, PR. We assessed 366 and 419 medical records, Before and After implementation of fortification. Pregnant women with Hb < 11g/dL were considered anemic. Data were submitted to multiple linear regression analysis. There was low prevalence of anemia affecting 12.3% and 9.4% pregnant women Before and After fortification (p > 0.05), but the Group After the fortification had higher Hb levels (p < 0.05). Hb levels associated with Group, gestational age, previous pregnancy number, employment and marital status (p < 0.05). Although the fortification of flour may have had role in increasing the mean hemoglobin, we need consider the contribution of other variables not investigated.