Prevalence and associated factors of postpartum anemia among women in Southeastern Iran: a cross-sectional study
- 1Department of Midwifery School of Medicine, Iranshahr University of Medical Sciences, Iranshahr, Iran
- 2Department of Midwifery, School of Medicine, Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
- 3Epidemiology, Infectious & Tropical Diseases Research Center, Iranshahr University of Medical Sciences, Iranshahr, Iran
Abstract
Background: Postpartum anemia is a significant public health concern, particularly in low- and middle-income settings. In Iran, prevalence rates are higher in socioeconomically disadvantaged regions such as Iranshahr in Southeastern Iran, where nutritional deficiencies may further increase vulnerability. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of postpartum anemia and identify its associated factors in this underserved population.
Methods: In this cross-sectional study conducted from July to December 2023, 500 postpartum women were recruited from five comprehensive health service centers in Iranshahr, Iran, using proportional cluster sampling with systematic random sampling within each cluster. Socio-demographic, obstetric, and antenatal laboratory data were extracted from participants’ medical records using a structured data extraction form. Postpartum hemoglobin was measured at the six-week postnatal visit using complete blood count (CBC). Postpartum anemia was defined as hemoglobin < 12 g/dL and classified as mild (11–11.9 g/dL), moderate (8–10.9 g/dL), and severe (< 8 g/dL). Anemia during pregnancy was defined as hemoglobin < 11 g/dL. Bivariate associations were assessed using chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests, and independent predictors were identified using multivariable binary logistic regression.
Results: The prevalence of postpartum anemia was 37.2% (95% CI: 33.0–41.4%), comprising 25.6% mild and 11.6% moderate cases; no severe anemia was identified. In multivariable logistic regression, anemia during pregnancy was the strongest independent predictor (AOR = 5.73; 95% CI: 3.81–8.61; p < 0.001), followed by postpartum hemorrhage (AOR = 2.41; 95% CI: 1.07–5.41; p = 0.033). Age, occupation, body mass index, economic status, educational level, and iron supplementation were not independently associated with postpartum anemia.
Conclusion: Postpartum anemia is common in this population, primarily predicted by anemia during pregnancy and postpartum hemorrhage. Routine hemoglobin screening from early pregnancy, education on correct iron supplement use, and regular postpartum monitoring are essential to reduce its burden in resource-limited settings.
Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at https://doi.org/10.1186/s12884-026-09753-3.
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BibTeX
@article{kashani2026prevalence,
title = {{Prevalence and associated factors of postpartum anemia among women in Southeastern Iran: a cross-sectional study}},
author = {Zahra Atarodi Kashani and Arezoo Pirak and Mansoureh Yazdkhasti and Abedeh Arzani},
journal = {BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth},
year = {2026},
month = aug,
doi = {10.1186/s12884-026-09753-3},
url = {https://doi.org/10.1186/s12884-026-09753-3},
note = {CC BY-NC-ND 4.0},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Prevalence and associated factors of postpartum anemia among women in Southeastern Iran: a cross-sectional study
AU - Zahra Atarodi Kashani
AU - Arezoo Pirak
AU - Mansoureh Yazdkhasti
AU - Abedeh Arzani
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/08/01
JO - BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth
DO - 10.1186/s12884-026-09753-3
UR - https://doi.org/10.1186/s12884-026-09753-3
AB - Background: Postpartum anemia is a significant public health concern, particularly in low- and middle-income settings. In Iran, prevalence rates are higher in socioeconomically disadvantaged regions such as Iranshahr in Southeastern Iran, where nutritional deficiencies may further increase vulnerability. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of postpartum anemia and identify its associated factors in this underserved population. Methods: In this cross-sectional study conducted from July to December 2023, 500 postpartum women were recruited from five comprehensive health service centers in Iranshahr, Iran, using proportional cluster sampling with systematic random sampling within each cluster. Socio-demographic, obstetric, and antenatal laboratory data were extracted from participants’ medical records using a structured data extraction form. Postpartum hemoglobin was measured at the six-week postnatal visit using complete blood count (CBC). Postpartum anemia was defined as hemoglobin < 12 g/dL and classified as mild (11–11.9 g/dL), moderate (8–10.9 g/dL), and severe (< 8 g/dL). Anemia during pregnancy was defined as hemoglobin < 11 g/dL. Bivariate associations were assessed using chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests, and independent predictors were identified using multivariable binary logistic regression. Results: The prevalence of postpartum anemia was 37.2% (95% CI: 33.0–41.4%), comprising 25.6% mild and 11.6% moderate cases; no severe anemia was identified. In multivariable logistic regression, anemia during pregnancy was the strongest independent predictor (AOR = 5.73; 95% CI: 3.81–8.61; p < 0.001), followed by postpartum hemorrhage (AOR = 2.41; 95% CI: 1.07–5.41; p = 0.033). Age, occupation, body mass index, economic status, educational level, and iron supplementation were not independently associated with postpartum anemia. Conclusion: Postpartum anemia is common in this population, primarily predicted by anemia during pregnancy and postpartum hemorrhage. Routine hemoglobin screening from early pregnancy, education on correct iron supplement use, and regular postpartum monitoring are essential to reduce its burden in resource-limited settings. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at https://doi.org/10.1186/s12884-026-09753-3.
SN - 1471-2393
ER -