Determinants of anemia at 1 mo postpartum in Mexican women supplemented during pregnancy

Abstract

The objective of this analysis was to explore determinants of anemia at 1 mo postpartum (PP) in women supplemented with multiple micronutrients during pregnancy. Data came from a cluster randomized trial where pregnant women received a fortified beverage (FB), tablets (TB) or Sprinkles (SK). Supplements had identical micronutrient content with 15 mg of iron and were delivered daily in the home. Appropriate statistical analyses for cluster randomized trials were used. Mean duration of pregnancy at recruitment was 20.7±5.8 wks, hemoglobin concentration (Hb) at recruitment was 12.1±1.4 g/dL (21.0% anemic, Hb<11 g/dL), and the mean of doses consumed from recruitment to 1 mo post‐partum was 113.8±38.5. At 1 mo PP, 25.9% of women were anemic (Hb<12 g/dL). Factors that were found to be associated with the probability of being anemic include the time since birth of previous child (OR 0.98, p<0.01), Hb at recruitment (OR 0.52, p<0.01), increment of Hb from recruitment to 37 wks pregnancy (OR 0.62, p<0.01), caesarean delivery (OR 1.6, p=0.08) and type of supplement consumed (OR 1.83, p=0.02 for FB and OR 1.66, p=0.06 for SY, respect to TB). A model with the same independent variables explained 22% of variance for Hb concentration at 1 mo PP. In conclusion, despite reasonable compliance with supplementation, the prevalence of anemia at 1 mo PP was high and associated with a number of factors, including the type of supplement consumed.