Anemia is a common health problem in women in developing countries, since
anemia is more common in women than man due to physiological processes. This study was
conducted in Zawia area and included 210 women in childbearing age (18-45 years) who
were visiting Zawia teaching hospital. After filling the questionnaire, blood samples were
taken and analyzed for hematological and biochemical profiles. Biochemical testes included
measurement of serum iron, ferritin, and total-iron binding capacity. Among the total sample
(210 women), there were 87 (41.4%) pregnant and 123 (58.6%) non-pregnant women
(includes married and single). Pregnant women (87) were classified according to the
gestational age into first, second, and third trimesters. Out of 87 pregnant women, there were
7 (8.04%) pregnant women in the first trimester, 34 (39.1%) in the second trimester, and 46
(52.9%) pregnant women in the third trimester. The means of biochemical and hematological
parameters in the studied samples were: Hb = 10.37 ± 2.02 g/dl, RBC= 3.78 ± 1.037 m/m3,
serum iron 61.86 ± 40.28 µg /dl, and TIBC = 386.01 ± 94.91 µg/dl. In this study, it is
considered that any women have hemoglobin below 11.5 g/dl is anemic. 89.1%, 69.5%, and
47.8% of pregnant women who belong to third trimester had low (below normal value) Hb,
serum iron, and ferritin, i.e. iron deficiency anemia was more common in third trimester
among the first and the second trimesters. Third trimester pregnant women also had high
TIBC more than first and second trimesters. We have compared between pregnant and nonpregnant women in the terms of hematological and biochemical parameters. We found that
85%, 65.3%, and 36.7% of pregnant women have low Hb, serum iron, and ferritin. This study
showed that 45 (21.5%) out of 210 women (The whole samples) had iron deficiency anemia.
i.e. 21.5% of women who included in this study in Zawia area had iron deficiency anemia.
Among 45 women who have iron deficiency anemia, there were 30 (66.6%) pregnant, and 15
(33.3%) non-pregnant. That means prevalence of iron deficiency anemia was more in
pregnant than non- pregnant as we expected. This study showed the effect of tea on
absorption of iron. In this matter, drinking tea women in this study showed 42.4% a decrease
in serum iron level.
Key wards:Hemoglobin, red blood cells, total iron- binding capacity.

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