Abstract
Objective: To assess the frequency of anemia in pregnant adolescents and adults. Methods: This was a historical cohort that studied data from 1414 pregnant women, 293 adolescents and 1121 adults. Results: Iron deficiency anemia was identified in 98% and macrocytic in 2% of cases. The mean hemoglobin in pregnant adolescents was 11.7 (±1.37) in the first, 11.30 (±1.09) in the second and 11.50 (±1.52) in the third trimester. In adults, 12.10 (±1.25), 11.50 (±1.12) and 11.80 (±1.40) respectively were observed. The comparison between the two groups revealed p<0.001 for the first trimester, p=0.01 in the second trimester and p=0.05 in the third trimester. The frequency of anemia was calculated, being 20% in the first, 29.4% in the second and 18.2% in the third trimester. Anemia was more frequent in pregnant adolescents (RR= 1.93; CI= 1.40-2.66; p<0.001) in the first trimester. After applying the regression model, family income (p<0.001) and adolescence (p=0.003) were the significant variables associated with anemia. Conclusion: It is concluded that anemia was more frequent in adolescents, being associated with low income and age. However, this was not related to low fetal weight, urinary infection and/or vaginal discharge, showing that adequate prenatal care can modify unfavorable maternal-fetal outcomes.