Thiếu máu thiếu sắt là vấn đề sức khỏe cộng đồng tại Việt Nam. Phụ nữ có thai (PNCT) là đối tượng dễ bị thiếu máu trong cộng đồng. Hiện nay chưa có số liệu về tình trạng thiếu máu ở PNCT TP.HCM. Mục tiêu: Xác định tỉ lệ thiếu máu, thiếu sắt, thiếu máu do thiếu sắt và việc bổ sung sắt ở PNCT TP.HCM. Phương pháp: Điều tra cắt ngang được thực hiện...

English summary: Background: Iron deficiency anemia is a public health problem in Vietnam. Pregnant women (PW) are vulnerable to anemia in community. Up to now, there are no data on anemia in PW in HCMC. Objectives: To identify the prevalence of anemia, iron deficiency, iron deficiency anemia and iron supplementation in PW in HCMC. Methods: A cross sectional survey was conducted in 776 PW in HCMC in 2007. Subjects were weighted, and their fasting blood was collected to analyze Hb, ferritin and CRP. A prepared questionnaire was used to collect data on socio-economic, iron supplementation, and knowledge on anemia prevention. A sub-group of 406 PW was randomly selected for 24h dietary recall. Results: Prevalence of anemia (Hb<11g/dl), iron deficiency (ferritin<30ng/ml), iron deficiency anemia (Hb<11g/dl and ferritin<30ng/ml) was 17.5%, 42.7% and 9.9%, respectively. Prevalence of iron deficiency (56.1% vs. 19.6%, p<0.01) and iron deficiency anemia (12.3% vs. 5.5%, p<0.01) was 3 times higher in the last trimester compared to the second trimester. In PW with iron deficiency, Hb and ferritin were correlated to total days of taking iron supplements in 2nd trimester and 3rd trimester. In PW without iron deficiency, Hb was reversely correlated to total days of taking iron supplements in 1st and 2nd trimester, and correlated in 3rd trimester. Ferritin was conversely correlated to total days of taking iron supplements in all three stages of pregnancy in PW without iron deficiency. Compared to RDA, energy intake in 2nd and 3rd trimester was approximately 80%, protein intake was more than 100%, and  iron consumption was only 40%. Conclusions: Anemia is still a public health problem in pregnant women in HCMC. Iron intake of  this population was only 40% compared to Vietnam RDA, thus indicating one of causes of anemia situation in PW. In PW with iron deficiency, early taking iron supplements should have benefited to improve anemia and iron storage status. In PW without iron deficiency, taking iron supplements from 2nd trimester is necessary to prevent anemia. However, these supplements should combine with other elements related to the reproduction of red blood cells.