Hematological Parameters and Iron Status in Pregnant Women in Conflict-Affected Taiz, Yemen

Radfan Saleh Abdullah¹, Mansour Abdulnabi H. Mehdi², Naif Taleb Ali¹

Keywords: Hematological parameters, serum iron, pregnancy, anemia, Yemen, Taiz

DOI: 10.63475/yjm.v4i3.0193

DOI URL: https://doi.org/10.63475/yjm.v4i3.0193

Publish Date: 31-12-2025

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Pages: 624 - 629

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Author Affiliation:

1 Assistant professor, Department of Medical Laboratory, Radfan University College, University of Lahej, Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Science and Technology, Aden, Yemen
2 Assistant Professor, Department of Medical Laboratory, Radfan University College, University of Lahej, Alhouta, Yemen

Abstract

Background: Iron deficiency anemia persists as a serious public health concern in conflict-affected settings, with Yemen exhibiting among the highest global prevalence rates. This cross-sectional study evaluates trimester-specific hematological changes and iron levels among pregnant women in Taiz, Yemen—a region devastated by persistent humanitarian crises.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from January to March 2022. A total of 165 pregnant women (15–40 years) were systematically enrolled from antenatal clinics. Complete blood count and serum iron were analyzed. Statistical analyses included analysis of variance (ANOVA) and multivariable regression.

Results: Stratification by trimester revealed significant progressive declines in hemoglobin, serum iron, and red blood cell indices from the first to the third trimester (all p < 0.01). Overall, 41.8% of participants exhibited anemia (hemoglobin < 11.0 g/dL), with the prevalence escalating to 57.8% in the third trimester. Iron deficiency (serum iron < 60 μg/dL) was found in 28.5% of the women. Multivariable analysis identified illiteracy (adjusted β = −1.2 [95% CI, −2.2 to −0.2]; p = 0.02) and grand multiparity (adjusted β = −1.1 [95% CI, −1.9 to −0.3]; p = 0.007) as independent predictors of lower hemoglobin levels.

Conclusions: Trimester-dependent declines in hemoglobin and red blood cell parameters are common during pregnancy. However, in conflict-affected regions, these changes are often more severe, likely due to iron deficiency and limited access to proper screening and care.

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