Previous studies have shown a very high prevalence of anemia among Palestinian refugees. We conducted a study to estimate the prevalence of anaemia among pregnant Palestinian Refugee women residing in Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, Gaza and West Bank and who attended the prenatal clinics during the period 15-31 May 1999 (n=11,582). The purpose of this study was to address iron-deficiency anaemia as a public health problem and develop a baseline data to evaluate the effectiveness of our intervention strategy. The overall prevalence of anaemia varied from 44.7% in Gaza to 27% in Syria. We also found that there is a progressive rise in the prevalence of anaemia during the course of pregnancy. The prevalence of anaemia also increased with increasing number of deliveries, and with the increase of mothers’ age.
Although the prevalence rates are still high, a marked improvement has been attained since the 1990 survey conducted in collaboration with CDC which revealed prevalence rates of 67.4% in Gaza, 62.1% in Syria, 56.8% in Lebanon, 53.7% in Jordan, and 47.6% in the West Bank.
The prevailing anaemia among Palestinian refugees is of the mild and moderate types, which could improve if proper preventive measures are implemented. Haemoglobin levels less than 10g/dL constituted 7.6% in Jordan, 6.7% in Lebanon, 7.1% in Syria and 11.2% in West Bank.
Accordingly, we revised our strategy for prevention and treatment of anaemia to provide prophylactic iron supplementation to all pregnant women upon registration, throughout pregnancy and until three months after delivery. Anaemic mothers are provided with therapeutic iron.
Learning Objectives: 1.to estimate the prevalence of anaemia among pregnant Palestinian Refugee women 2.The purpose of this study was to address iron-deficiency anaemia as a public health problem 3. Develop a baseline data to evaluate the effectiveness of our intervention strategy.
Keywords: Maternal Health, Anemia
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Since 1950, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) has provided education, health, and relief and social services to registered Palestinian refugees in Jordan, Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon and Syria.(est
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.