PREVALENCE OF ANEMIA IN PREGNANT WOMEN

Abstract

Background: Anaemia is defined as a medical condition in which the red blood count or haemoglobin is lower than normal levels. Deficiency of haemoglobin can be due to lack of vitamin B₁₂, folic acid and iron, extreme blood loss or nutrient-deficit diet. Anaemia during pregnancy is harmful both to mother and foetus. It can cause pre-mature delivery and birth defects. Iron supplementation is often recommended to pregnant women. The aim of study was to find out prevalence of anaemia in pregnant women. Methods: The study was carried out using quantitative methods. A sample of 300 participants was taken using purposive sampling technique. Socio-demographic data was collected from participants after informed consent. Haemoglobin levels were recorded for each participant using Blood Complete Picture already available with them. Results: There exists high prevalence (74.6%) of anaemia in pregnant women. The prevalence is much higher (80.3%) in the 3^rd trimester of pregnancy. Low intake of meat was observed in 73% of the anaemic women. Low intake of other iron rich food was also observed in more than 50% of the participants. Only 93 participants had their MCV reports with them (53.7% among them had low MCV). This high rate of prevalence is associated with iron-deficient diet and unawareness about seriousness of the problem. Conclusion: There is high prevalence of anaemia among pregnant women associated with iron-deficient diet and lack of awareness. Introducing screening tests for anaemia, raising public awareness, and educating females about importance of nutrition diet are recommended.

Pak J Physiol 2021;18(1):16?9