Prevalence and factors associated with anemia among pregnant women attending antenatal clinic

Objectives: Anemia during pregnancy is characterized by hemoglobin concentration <11 g/dl in pregnant women, which decreases oxygen carrying capacity of the blood to the body tissues. It is estimated that worldwide 41.8% of pregnant and 30.2% of non-pregnant women are anemic. This study aims to determine the prevalence and factors associated with anemia in pregnant women attending antenatal clinic at our tertiary care center. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted among 500 pregnant women attending antenatal clinic for the 1 st time in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, AIMSR, Bathinda, for a period of 1 year. The hemoglobin was measured using automated cell counter method and those with hemoglobin level <11 g/dl were considered as anemic and were investigated further to be assessed according to the Indian Council of Medical Research classification. Data were collected using predesigned and pretested structured questionnaire. Results: The mean Hb concentration was 9.06 g/dl among the anemic group. Overall prevalence of anemia among pregnant women was found to be 408 (81.8%). Residence, educational status, monthly family income, occupation, gestational age, iron folic acid supplementation, dietary habits of not eating green leafy vegetables, meat and animal products, and drinking tea and coffee immediately after meal were the variables which had statistically significant association with the prevalence of anemia. Conclusion: Anemia control program should be executed more resourcefully in this vital segment of population. Awareness of above said factors is more important to prevent anemia rather than early diagnosis and treatment.