IJCM_91A: A Descriptive study on Anemia among Antenatal Women in a District Hospital

Abstract

Background: In more than 80% of countries in the world, the prevalence of anemia in pregnancy is >20%, and is a major public health problem. More than 56 million women are estimated to be affected globally, approximately 32 million of them being from Asia. Severe anemia may have adverse effects on the mother and the foetus. Anemia with haemoglobin levels less than 6 g/dl is associated with poor pregnancy outcome such as prematurity, spontaneous abortions, low birth weight, and foetal deaths. Various health programs aiming anemia prevention are existing in India for many decades. Despite that, anemia affects more than half of pregnant women. Thus, this study aimed to estimate prevalence of Anemia and to study knowledge, attitude and practices of antenatal women about anemia prevention. Objective: a) To study factors associated with anemia in antenatal women attending district hospital. b) To study knowledge, attitude and practices of antenatal women about anemia prevention Methodology: A Hospital based cross-sectional study conducted among randomly selected 360 antenatal woman attending Antenatal clinic of a District Hospital from October 2023 to December 2023. Sample size was calculated using openepi. Prevalence of Anemia among antenatal women from previous study in India is 53%. Data was collected by using a predesigned semi structured interview schedule and Hb estimation was done by Sahli’s hemoglobinometer. Results: The Prevalence of Anemia obtained in this study was 52.76%. The prevalence of anemia in this study was more in multigravida pregnancy (p<0.001). Most of the ANC women have knowledge about consumption of Iron folic acid tablets. Conclusion: The Prevalence of Anemia among antenatal women obtained in this study was 52.76%. The prevalence of anemia more in multigravida. Anemia was also found to be significantly associated with risk in pregnancy. Most of the ANC women have knowledge about consumption of Iron folic acid tablets. Most of the participants got Hb estimation in first trimester.