Anemia levels in the preconception period and the first trimester of pregnancy: a national, multicentric and cross-sectional study

Abstract Objective The study aimed to determine the level of anemia in pregnant women in the first trimester and in the preconception period by conducting nationwide research. Methods The study was designed as retrospective, cross-sectional, and multicenter research. A total of 17 centers from 13 provinces were included in the study. The study was conducted with the participation of two groups of patients who applied to the obstetrics polyclinic between 1 January 2023 and 1 July 2023, who were in the first trimester of pregnancy and who were in the preconception period planning pregnancy. Results In total 4,265 women were included in the study. Of these women, 3,884 (91%) were in the first trimester of their pregnancy and 381 (9%) were in the preconception period. Anemia was detected in 24.1% (n=1030) of the patients. Of these patients, 20.6% (n=877) were pregnant women in the first trimester and 3.6% (n=153) were in the preconception period. A statistically significant and positive relationship was found between anemia and meat consumption frequency, educational status, and socioeconomic status of the patients (p=0.000, p=0.000, p=0.000). In addition, a statistically significant and negative correlation was determined between anemia and the number of pregnancies and the parity number (p=0.001, p=0.000) in both groups. Conclusion Anemia is a public health problem. Anemia has been determined to be an important problem both in the preconception period and early periods of pregnancy. It is necessary to revise the programs and interventions to reduce the prevalence of anemia and redesign them in line with current conditions.