Burden of anemia and its associated factors among pregnant women of Vindhya region: prospective observational study

ABSTRACT

Background: Anemia is major public health problem. It is especially prevalent in women of reproductive age, particularly during pregnancy. It affects both developed and developing countries. According to the National Family Health Survey, anemia is prevalent in approximately 53.1% of non-pregnant and 50.1% of pregnant women. Objective of this study was to study the prevalence of anemia in pregnant women of Vindhya region and also various degree of anemia and factors associated.Methods: All pregnant women attending the outdoor and indoor of the obstetrics and gynecology department of, GMH. Rewa, taken for calculation of prevalence of anaemia and among them 510 pregnant women were selected who were satisfying inclusion and exclusion criteria for studying association factors. Study period was 1 year. Haemoglobin estimation done by sahlis haemoglobinometer.Results: Prevalence of anaemia figures 81%, Out of them, 38.05% mild, 33.26% moderate and 7.80% of women were severely anemic. Maximum number of women were housewives 71.1%. Anaemia was found more commonly among those who are either taking iron prophylaxis irregularly or not taking. High prevalence was noted among those pregnant women who had <4 antenatal visits i.e., 54.51%.Conclusions: Considering the high prevalence of anaemia in Vindhya region, extensive efforts should be made not only to correct anaemia, but to prevent anaemia. Various programmes for anaemia control should be executed more resourcefully to overcome it. Strong reinforcement of government scheme should be done at Anganwadi, CH, PHC to ensure prevention as well as early detection of anaemia.