Vinod Mishra, PhD, MPH¹, Shyam Thapa, PhD², and Robert D. Retherford, PhD¹. (1) Population and Health Studies, East-West Center, 1601 East-West Road, Honolulu, HI 96848, 808-944-7452, mishra@hawaii.edu, (2) YouthNet, Family Health International, 2101 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, VA 22201

Iron deficiency is a severe form of malnutrition widespread among women in most developing countries. In pregnant women, iron-deficiency has been shown to reduce oxygen supply to the fetus, cause intrauterine growth retardation, and increase the risk of premature delivery and reduced birth weight. Yet the effects of iron supplementation programs on pregnancy outcomes are not well documented for developing countries. Using data on 2,770 childbirths included in the 1999 Zimbabwe Demographic and Health Survey, we examine the relationship between iron supplementation during pregnancy and birth weight. Zimbabwe data are uniquely suited for this study because a large proportion (75%) of births in Zimbabwe, unlike most developing countries, occur in health facilities and are weighed at birth. The effect of iron supplementation during pregnancy on birth weight is estimated using multiple regression, controlling for potential confounding effects of child’s sex and birth order, mother’s education and nutritional status (BMI), household living standard, and other variables. Results indicate that babies born to mothers who did not receive iron supplementation during pregnancy were 91 g lighter (95% CI: -141, -41), on average, compared with babies born to mothers who received iron supplementation during pregnancy. The difference was 76 g (95% CI: -137, -15) for children whose birth weights were taken from health cards, and 118 g (95% CI: -218, -19) for children whose birth weights were reported by mothers. The results show that iron supplementation during pregnancy is associated with significantly higher birth weight, net of other factors.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participants will be able to

• recognize that iron deficiency in women is a serious problem in many developing countries;
• recognize that iron supplementation during pregnany can increase birth weight and promote child survival.

Keywords: Anemia, Birth Outcomes

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: East-West Center
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: employment