Anaemia and Caesarean Section in Caucasian race: Assessment of risk factors and management strategies

Background : Anaemia among pregnant women is a significant public health concern, particularly in developing countries, due to its adverse effects on both maternal and fetal health. This study addresses the gap in research regarding anaemia in pregnant women in northern Iran, specifically among those undergoing elective caesarean sections. The objective is to assess the prevalence of anaemia in this population. Methods : This retrospective cross-sectional study included 719 pregnant women who were candidates for elective caesarean sections from September 2020 to March 2023. Data were collected from medical records, including haemoglobin levels, history of anaemia, previous pregnancy experiences, and demographic information. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 20, with quantitative variables reported as means and standard deviations and qualitative variables presented as frequencies and percentages. The Chi-square test was employed to compare anaemia prevalence across different demographic groups, with a significance level set at p value < 0.05. Results : Among the 719 participants, key demographic findings revealed that most had primary education (26.8%), while only 12.4% held university degrees. A majority (59.8%) resided in urban areas, with the largest age group being 31-36 years (30.5%). Most women (75.2%) reported no history of miscarriage, and 98.2% experienced no bleeding during pregnancy. The primary indication for caesarean section was a previous caesarean delivery (69.4%), with other reasons including fetal heart rate abnormalities, meconium presence, and various medical conditions. Notably, 57.7% of women reported no underlying health conditions; however, 9.2% had gestational diabetes, while others had blood disorders, neurological issues, or gastrointestinal problems. Conclusion : The prevalence of anaemia among patients undergoing elective caesarean sections was found to be 10.85%. Anaemia was more prevalent in women aged 25-30 years, those with low educational attainment, urban residents, and mothers with a previous pregnancy history. The only underlying condition significantly associated with a higher prevalence of anaemia was diabetes or impaired blood sugar levels. Furthermore, a considerable proportion of patients reported irregular consumption or non-consumption of iron supplements and prescribed medications during pregnancy, highlighting the need for improved maternal care education programs. The most common indication for caesarean delivery was a history of previous caesarean sections .