[Treatment of iron deficiency anemia during pregnancy with oral iron: State of practice among midwives].

OBJECTIVES

Iron deficiency anemia represents a public health issue which is usually managed by midwives. Because it is associated with maternal and fetal risks, a treatment is warranted. Oral iron represents the main option for treating this condition. Despite the existence of national and international guidelines no consensus about its modality of use has emerged so far. The primary objective of this study was to analyze midwives'practice with regards to iron deficiency anemia treatment using oral iron formulations.

METHODS

We conducted an observational and descriptive cross-sectional in a sample of midwives from the Gironde administrative region using a questionnaire.

RESULTS

We obtained 85 questionnaires from midwives working in private or public health facilities. Doses of iron and duration of treatment seem insufficient for a majority of responders. Folic acid and vitamin C are often associated with oral iron. Most midwives assess the efficacy of oral iron at one month with hemoglobin and ferritin levels. A significant fraction of these midwives shares similar practices which are in good accordance with the literature such as patient counselling with regards to drug intake, management of gastrointestinal side effects and inefficacity of oral iron. Noticeably, some of these midwives don't follow any guidelines.

CONCLUSION

The majority of participants demonstrated practices in accordance with various national guidelines although no precise therapeutic algorithm is available as reference. Larger studies on the management of iron deficiency anemia in pregnancy by health professionals and harmonization of practices are necessary.