High level of hemoglobin, white blood cells and obesity among Sudanese women in early pregnancy: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Aim: To investigate the association between obesity and anemia/hemoglobin levels. Material & methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at Khartoum, Sudan. Obstetric data were collected from 388 pregnant women at mean (standard deviation) of 10.5 (3.1) weeks of gestation using questionnaires. Weight and height were determined, and BMI was calculated. Results: There were 15 (4.4%), 95 (28.1%), 127 (37.6) and 101 (29.9%) women who were underweight, normal weight, (18.5–24.9 kg/m2), overweight (25–29.9 kg/m2) and obese (≥30 kg/m2), respectively. Hemoglobin levels and white blood cell counts were significantly higher in obese than nonobese groups. Compared with normal BMI, overweight and obesity were associated with higher hemoglobin level. Conclusion: Obese women had higher white blood cell count and hemoglobin level.