Maternal Anemia in Iraq: A Ten-Year Comprehensive Review (2014-2023) A Review of Literature

Abstract

Particularly in developing nations, anemia throughout pregnancy is a significant global public health issue.

Serious health consequences may arise for both the mother and the fetus as a result. Several past epidemiological studies have documented the extent of the issue. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of anemia during pregnancy in Iraq over the last 10 years.

A thorough evaluation of all available studies on anemia in Iraq over the past decade (2014–2023) has been conducted. Relevant research was located through the online databases ScienceDirect, MEDLINE, and Scopus. Data from numerous Iraqi studies conducted in different cities were merged into a unified format. The primary data collection sources consist of Scopus and PubMed.

The lowest documented prevalence of anemia during pregnancy over a decade was thirty-four percent, while the highest reached 84 percent. Most of the anemic pregnant women received sufficient prenatal care and were only mildly anemic during the third trimester. Some of the anemic women in the study consumed vegetables, fresh fruits, and meat regularly during their pregnancy. In contrast, others had a limited intake, as determined by dietary patterns and nutritional assessment.

This review highlights the growing prevalence of anemia among pregnant women in Iraq, with one study reporting a rate of 84.8%, indicating a critical public health concern. This issue is widespread and not confined to Baghdad, affecting multiple provinces across Iraq. High rates of anemia notably increase maternal morbidity, adverse birth outcomes, and long-term health risks for mothers and children across Iraq.