Master’s Degree Awarded to Researcher Ali Seraj in Laboratory Hematology

Researcher Ali Yahya Ali Rajeh Seraj was awarded a Master’s Degree in Laboratory Hematology and Blood Transfusion with an average of Very Good and a grade of (89%) for his thesis titled: Prevalence and Risk Factors of Iron Deficiency Anemia Among Pregnant Women at Al-Thawra Republican Teaching Hospital in Sana’a City, Yemen, which was submitted to the Department of Hematology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences– Sana’a University. The MA defense was held on Saturday, July 25, 2026‎‎.

The MA Viva-voce Committee, which was formed based on a resolution issued by the Graduate Studies and Scientific Research Council, consisted of the following:
# Committee Members Designation Position
1 Assoc. Prof. Fouad Ahmed Balkam Muslimani External Examiner Chair
2 Prof. Jameel Abdulmalik Abdulaziz Al-Ghazali Main Supervisor Member
3 Assoc. Prof. Mohammed Ahmed Abdullah Hajar Internal Examiner Member

The study aimed to estimate the prevalence of iron deficiency anemia among pregnant women attending Al-Thawra Republican Teaching Hospital in Sana’a City and to identify the major risk factors associated with the condition, thereby supporting public health efforts to reduce its burden.
The findings revealed that the prevalence of iron deficiency anemia among pregnant women in Sana’a City was higher than that reported in previous studies. The study also identified several major risk factors, including illiteracy, low household income, high parity, short interpregnancy intervals, and certain dietary and behavioral practices, such as qat chewing, excessive consumption of tea and coffee, and inadequate intake of fish and red meat.
The study further found that 87% of anemia cases among pregnant women were attributable to iron deficiency, underscoring the importance of early detection and strengthening preventive and health awareness programs.
The researcher recommended expanding community awareness programs on the risks of iron deficiency anemia during pregnancy and strategies for its prevention. He also emphasized the importance of preconception screening and periodic assessment of iron and hemoglobin levels, particularly during the late second trimester of pregnancy. In addition, the study encouraged pregnant women to adopt a balanced diet rich in iron and vitamin C, while reducing the consumption of beverages and foods that inhibit iron absorption.
The thesis defense was attended by faculty members, researchers, students, and interested participants as well as the researcher’s colleagues and family members.