Measurement of serum ferritin has the highest sensitivity and specificity for diagnosis of IDA unless there is a concurrent inflammatory condition. The lower threshold value for hemoglobin (Hb) in pregnant women is <11 g/dL during the 1st and 3rd trimesters, and <10.5 g/dL during the 2nd trimester. In postpartum period a Hb concentration <10 g/dL indicates clinically significant anemia.~Oral iron therapy is given as the first-line treatment for IDA. There are several direct and indirect methods to assess adherence to medications, each method has advantages and limits. Many studies have shown that pill counting is more accurate than self-reported adherence.We will investigate the adherence to iron supplementation in pregnant women by using a self-reported adherence questionnaire named SMAQ (Simplified Medication Adherence Questionnaire)~Simplified Medication Adherence Questionnaire (SMAQ) Knobel H; Juega J; Carmona A; Kindelan JM; Ruiz I; Gonzalez J; Collazos J; Casado JL; Alonso J; Ocampo A SMAQ is used to assess non-adherent patients. The six-item SMAQ has been developed to assess adherence in HIV-infected patients, and may be applied in most clinical settings.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), anemia is the most common disease, affecting >1.5 billion people worldwide. Furthermore, iron deficiency anemia (IDA) accounts for 50% of cases of anemia. IDA is common during pregnancy and the postpartum period, and can lead to serious maternal and fetal complications. Measurement of serum ferritin has the highest sensitivity and specificity for diagnosis of IDA unless there is a concurrent inflammatory condition. The lower threshold value for hemoglobin (Hb) in pregnant women is <11 g/dL during the 1st and 3rd trimesters, and <10.5 g/dL during the 2nd trimester. In postpartum period a Hb concentration <10 g/dL indicates clinically significant anemia. Oral iron therapy is given as the first-line treatment for IDA.