Prevalence of Anaemia Among Pregnant Women and Its Associated Factors: A Cross-Sectional Study at a Tertiary care hospital
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Keywords
Anaemia, Socio-demographic, pregnancy, iron-folic acid, antenatal care
Abstract
Background: Anaemia during pregnancy remains an important public health problem, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Increased physiological requirements for iron and other micronutrients, inadequate dietary intake, poor adherence to supplementation, repeated pregnancies and socioeconomic constraints may contribute to maternal anaemia.
Aim: To determine the prevalence of anaemia among pregnant women and assess selected factors associated with anaemia.
Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 150 pregnant women at Great Eastern Medical School and Hospital (GEMS&H) from July 2014 to June 2015. Socio-demographic, obstetric, dietary and iron-folic acid supplementation information was collected using a structured questionnaire, while haemoglobin values were obtained from antenatal laboratory records. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and the Chi-square test.
Results: Anaemia was present in 85/150 participants (56.7%). Mild, moderate and severe anaemia accounted for 30.0%, 22.0% and 4.7%, respectively. Significant associations were observed with socioeconomic status (χ²=18.6, p=0.001), iron-folic acid supplementation (χ²=9.84, p=0.002), and parity (χ²=5.62, p=0.017).
Conclusion: Anaemia affected more than half of the pregnant women studied. Strengthening antenatal screening, improving adherence to iron-folic acid supplementation and promoting maternal nutrition may help reduce the burden of anaemia.
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