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A study on prevalence of anemia in pregnancy in South India

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Sarala V.
Sarala V.
Sarala V.
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Ushadevi Gopalan at Shri Sathy Sai Medical College and Research Institute
Ushadevi Gopalan
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Background: Anemia in pregnancy is a major health problem worldwide, especially in developing countries like India. Maternal and fetal outcomes are poor in pregnant patients with anemia. The most important cause of anemia is iron deficiency anemia which can be prevented by early oral iron supplementation.Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the department of obstetrics and gynecology of our tertiary care teaching institution for a period of one year. 1290 pregnant women coming to the antenatal OPD were screened for anemia and 490 women. Patients who were not anemic were excluded. 800 patients were enrolled in the study. Each patient was interviewed using a structured interview schedule and the data obtained was analyzed.Results: The percentage of anemia in pregnant women was 62% in our study of which 40% were mildly anemic, 55% were moderately anemic and 5% were severely anemic. Maximum number of anemic women -mild, moderate and severe was seen in the age group 20-24 years. Mild and severe anemia was seen more in the secondary educated women. Maximum percentage of anemia was seen in the lower socio-economic status followed by middle and was lowest in the higher socio-economic status group. Prevalence of anemia was almost equal in primigravida and multigravidas (around 50%) but 80% of severely anemic patients were multigravida. Almost 68% took iron and folic acid tablets regularly.Conclusions: Treating anemia in pregnant women will go a long way in improving maternal and fetal outcome. Hence a future healthy younger generation can be produced. Iron tablets can be distributed at school to young girls to prevent anemia in future women.
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January 2020 · Volume 9 · Issue 1 Page 1
International Journal of Reproduction, Contraception, Obstetrics and Gynecology
Sarala V et al. Int J Reprod Contracept Obstet Gynecol. 2020 Jan;9(1):xxx-xxx
www.ijrcog.org
pISSN 2320-1770 | eISSN 2320-1789
Original Research Article
A study on prevalence of anemia in pregnancy in South India
Sarala V., Ushadevi Gopalan*
INTRODUCTION
Anemia during pregnancy is a major health problem in
South Asian countries and developing countries.1 It is still
more prevalent in India. Sowmya G et al, in their study
found the prevalence of anemia in pregnancy as 64.5%.2
Maternal deaths are more in antenatal patients suffering
from anemia than healthy mothers. The fetal outcome is
also poor with increased perinatal morbidity and
mortality.3 Anemia is the most common medical disorder
during pregnancy. The oxygen carrying capacity of the
blood is reduced in anemic patients. The most important
cause of anemia is nutritional. More than 70% of
pregnant women suffer from nutritional anemia in South
East Asia.4 This can be overcome by early oral iron
therapy because the most common type of anemia is iron
deficiency anemia (75%).5,6 This is mainly due to lack of
knowledge regarding the importance of nutrition on
maternal health, and poverty inhibits them from buying
healthy nutritious food.7,8 The aim of the present study is
to find out the prevalence of anemia and analyze the
distribution of the age, education, socio economic status
ABSTRACT
Background: Anemia in pregnancy is a major health problem worldwide, especially in developing countries like
India. Maternal and fetal outcomes are poor in pregnant patients with anemia. The most important cause of anemia is
iron deficiency anemia which can be prevented by early oral iron supplementation.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the department of obstetrics and gynecology of our tertiary
care teaching institution for a period of one year. 1290 pregnant women coming to the antenatal OPD were screened
for anemia and 490 women. Patients who were not anemic were excluded. 800 patients were enrolled in the study.
Each patient was interviewed using a structured interview schedule and the data obtained was analyzed.
Results: The percentage of anemia in pregnant women was 62% in our study of which 40% were mildly anemic, 55%
were moderately anemic and 5% were severely anemic. Maximum number of anemic women -mild, moderate and
severe was seen in the age group 20-24 years. Mild and severe anemia was seen more in the secondary educated
women. Maximum percentage of anemia was seen in the lower socio-economic status followed by middle and was
lowest in the higher socio-economic status group. Prevalence of anemia was almost equal in primigravida and
multigravidas (around 50%) but 80% of severely anemic patients were multigravida. Almost 68% took iron and folic
acid tablets regularly.
Conclusions: Treating anemia in pregnant women will go a long way in improving maternal and fetal outcome.
Hence a future healthy younger generation can be produced. Iron tablets can be distributed at school to young girls to
prevent anemia in future women.
Keywords: Anemia, Hemoglobin, Iron supplementation, Maternal mortality
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.18203/2320-1770.ijrcog20195617
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shri Sathya Sai Medical College and Research Institute, Ammapettai
Village, Kancheepuram District, Tamil Nadu, India
Received: 14 November 2019
Revised: 20 November 2019
Accepted: 25 November 2019
*Correspondence:
Dr. Ushadevi Gopalan,
E-mail: ushag7@hotmail.com
Copyright: © the author(s), publisher and licensee Medip Academy. This is an open-access article distributed under
the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial License, which permits unrestricted non-commercial
use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Sarala V et al. Int J Reprod Contracept Obstet Gynecol. 2020 Jan;9(1):xxx-xxx
International Journal of Reproduction, Contraception, Obstetrics and Gynecology Volume 9 · Issue 1 Page 2
and parity in pregnant anemic women and their
acceptance of oral iron therapy.
METHODS
This cross-sectional study was conducted in the
department of obstetrics and gynecology of our tertiary
care teaching institution for a period of one year between
January 2018 to December 2018. A total 1290 pregnant
women coming to our antenatal OPD were screened for
anemia using laboratory tests and 490 women who were
not anemic were excluded. A total 800 patients were
enrolled in the study.
Inclusion criteria
• Pregnant women
• Hb% less than 11 gm%.
Exclusion criteria
• Non pregnant women
• HB above 11 gm%.
Study population
Pregnant women attending the antenatal OPD of our
tertiary teaching institution between the ages of 18 to 50
years from nearby villages in Kancheepuram district were
considered.
• Total no. of AN Women - 1290
• No. of anemic patient - 800
• Percent of anemic patient - 62%.
Approval was obtained from the Institutional Ethics
Committee prior to the commencement of the study. Each
participant was explained in detail about the study and
written informed consent was obtained prior to the data
collection. Each patient was interviewed using a
structured interview schedule to obtain information
regarding the age, parity, educational and socio-economic
status. The severity of anemia was estimated and the
intake of iron supplementation by the pregnant patient
was also studied.
Statistical analysis
The data obtained was organized according to the
severity of anemia Data was entered and analyzed using
Microsoft Excel spreadsheet, and the various degrees of
anemia were expressed in percentage.
RESULTS
Out of 1290 OPD pregnant women 490 had Hb% above
11 gm/dl. So, the prevalence of anemia was 62% of
which 40% were mildly anemic (Hb-9-11 gm%), 55%
were moderately anemic (Hb-7-9 gm%) and 5% were
severely anemic (Hb-less than 7 gm%) according to
WHO classification (Figure 1).
Figure 1: Prevalence of anaemia among
pregnant women.
Table 1: Age distribution.
Age
Moderate anemia
Severe anemia
Total
< 20 years
63 (14.3%)
6 (15%)
104 (13%)
20-24
320 (72.73%)
24 (60%)
494 (61.75%)
25-29
44 (10%)
8 (20%)
177 (22.12%)
> 30
13 (2.95%)
2 (5%)
25 (3.72%)
Total
440
40
800
The 800 anemic women were included in the study. Mean
age of the participants was 22.6%. Maximum numbers of
anemic women were in the age group 20-24 years
(61.75%) followed by 22.1% in 25-29 years and 13% in
less than 20 years group. The least anemia was seen in
the age group more than 30 years (3.72%) (Table 1). Of
the antenatal women 11.5% were illiterate, primary and
secondary educated 36.5% and 44.75% respectively and
7.25% were graduate and above. Anemia was seen more
in the secondary educated women (44.75%) followed by
primary educated women (36.5%) and illiterate (11.5%).
Least percentage of anemias was seen in the graduate
Mild
40%
Moderate
55%
Severe
5%
Sarala V et al. Int J Reprod Contracept Obstet Gynecol. 2020 Jan;9(1):xxx-xxx
International Journal of Reproduction, Contraception, Obstetrics and Gynecology Volume 9 · Issue 1 Page 3
women (7.25%) (Table 2). On analyzing socio-economic
status as expected maximum percentage of anemia was
seen in the lower socio-economic status (63.75%)
followed by middle (32.625%) and was lowest in the
higher socio-economic status group (3.625%) (Table 3).
Prevalence of anemia in primigravida (49.25%) and
multigravida (50.75%) were almost equal but 80% of
severely anemic patients were multigravida. (Table 4).
Almost 68% took iron and folic acid tablets regularly
(Table 5).
Table 2: Educational status.
Education
Mild anemia
Moderate anemia
Severe anemia
Total
Illiterate
48 (15%)
40 (9%)
4 (10%)
92 (11.5%)
Primary
64 (20%)
218 (49.5%)
10 (25%)
292 (36.5%)
Secondary
176 (55%)
160 (36.36%)
22 (55%)
358 (44.75%)
Graduate / PG
32 (10%)
22 (5%)
4 (10%)
58 (7.25%)
Total
320
440
40
800 (100%)
Table 3: Socio economic status.
Status
Mild anemia
Moderate anemia
Severe anemia
Total
Low
192 (60%)
286 (65%)
32 (80%)
510 (63.75%)
Middle
106 (33.1%)
149 (33.86%)
6 (15%)
261 (32.625%)
High
22 (69%)
5 (1.14%)
3 (5%)
29 (3.625%)
Total
320
440
40
800 (100%)
Table 4: Parity.
Mild anemia
Moderate anemia
Severe anemia
Total
162 (50.6%)
224 (50.9%)
8 (20%)
394 (49.25%)
158 (49.4%)
216 (49%)
32 (80%)
406 (50.75%)
320
440
40
800 (100%)
Table 5: Iron supplementation.
Iron tab consumption
Mild
Moderate
Severe
Total
Yes
256 (80%)
264 (60%)
24 (60%)
544 (68%)
No
64 (20%)
176 (40%)
16 (40%)
256 (32%)
Total
320
440
40
800 (100%)
DISCUSSION
In this present study, the percentage and severity of
anemia in pregnant women was analyzed. The prevalence
of anemia in pregnancy in our study was 62%. The
severity of anemia was graded as per WHO classification
of anemia. 40% of the women were mildly anemic, 55%
were moderately anemic and 5% severely anemic.
Similar, results were obtained by Singh P et al.1 As per
our study, anemia was most prevalent in age 20-24 years
old (61.75%). This finding is almost the same as Gaurah
et al (77.9%) and Shwetha et al (70%).9,10 Regarding
educational qualification anemia was more prevalent in
primary and secondary educational level, 36.5% and
44.75% respectively. In our study of socio-economic
status, anemia was more common in lower strata of
women (63.75%). This finding correlates with that of
Ahmad N et al.11 Comparing primigravida with
multigravida women, anemia is almost equally
distributed among both (50.75%). In studies by Bison et
al and Sowmya et al, they have also reported the same
distribution (50%).2,12 All anemic patients were given
iron supplements oral or parenteral. Only 68% took the
treatment continuously (Table 5). Rest of them
discontinued at different periods.
CONCLUSION
Treating anemia in pregnant women will go a long way in
improving maternal and fetal outcome. Hence a future
healthy younger generation can be produced. Iron tablets
can be distributed at school to young girls to prevent
anemia in future women. Educating young girls regarding
hygiene, nutritious diet, iron supplement even in pre
pregnancy stage will prevent anemia to a great extent
during pregnancy.
Sarala V et al. Int J Reprod Contracept Obstet Gynecol. 2020 Jan;9(1):xxx-xxx
International Journal of Reproduction, Contraception, Obstetrics and Gynecology Volume 9 · Issue 1 Page 4
Funding: No funding sources
Conflict of interest: None declared
Ethical approval: The study was approved by the
Institutional Ethics Committee
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4. Ian Donald's Practical Obstetric Problems; 6th
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Cite this article as: Sarala V, Gopalan U. A study on
prevalence of anemia in pregnancy in South India. Int
J Reprod Contracept Obstet Gynecol 2020;9:xxx-xx.
... 4 This may be due to the lack of knowledge of importance of nutrition on maternal and fetal health and lack of resources to access health centres or obtain sources of nutrition. 5 Anemia is considered as a major cause of maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality in developing countries. 6,7 It may lead to premature birth, low birth weight, fetal cognitive impairment, and fetal death. ...
... However severe anaemia was seen in uneducated or primary educated women in both the studies.1 In our study maximum number of women were from age group of 20-24 (48.8%) similar to study by Sarla et al in which it was 47%.5 Maximum prevalence of anaemia in our study was seen in low socioeconomic status women 58.9% similar to study done by Sarla et al 63.75%.5 ...
... However severe anaemia was seen in uneducated or primary educated women in both the studies.1 In our study maximum number of women were from age group of 20-24 (48.8%) similar to study by Sarla et al in which it was 47%.5 Maximum prevalence of anaemia in our study was seen in low socioeconomic status women 58.9% similar to study done by Sarla et al 63.75%.5 ...
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Background: Anaemia in pregnancy is a major contributor in morbidity seen in pregnancy and childbirth. Prevalence of anaemia in India is still as high as 52%. Aim of the present study is to study the prevalence of anaemia and its socio demographic variables in rural population of Rajasthan. Methods: This study was done in our tertiary care teaching institute in obstetrics and gynecology department in Rajasthan. 2384 women who came to the ANC clinic were screened for anaemia. 1442 women found anemic were enrolled for study. They were interviewed through a structured questionnaire and data thus obtained was analyzed. Results: Prevalence of anaemia was found to be 60.4% in the study. Out of these 58.8% had mild anaemia, 39.8% had moderate anaemia, 1.04% severe anaemia and 0.2% had very severe anaemia. Maximum women were in the age group 20-24years (48.8%). A large proportion of women were from the lower socioeconomic strata 58.9%. Maximum anemic women had received primary education (63%), while 25% were illiterate and 12% received more than primary education. Prevalence of anaemia was almost similar in both primigravidas 49.1% and multigravidas 50.9%. Regular iron intake was seen in 56% women, 27.7% took iron folic acid (IFA) tablets but irregularly and 16.3% had not taken any supplements. Conclusions: Anaemia is still highly prevalent among pregnant women in rural Rajasthan. So, there is a need for effective implementation of the existing programmes for prevention and treatment of anaemia for healthy future generation.
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... This was comparable to NFHS-5 data (52.2%). In a similar study done by Arora k et al., [10], the prevalence of anaemia was found to be 37.09% whereas in another study by V. S. Gopalan et al., [11] it was found to be 62%. Figure No. 1 depicts that Out of them, 30 (58.8%) women had mild anaemia, 19 (37.3%) women had moderate anaemia and (3.9%) women had severe anaemia. ...
... Figure No. 1 depicts that Out of them, 30 (58.8%) women had mild anaemia, 19 (37.3%) women had moderate anaemia and (3.9%) women had severe anaemia. In a similar study by V. S. Gopalan et al., [11], 40% were mildly anaemic, 55% were moderately anaemic and 5% were severely anaemic. ...
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... However, severe anaemia was seen in uneducated 13,14 or primary educated women in both the studies. In our study maximum number of women were from age group of 20-24 (46.9%) 15 similar to study by Sarla et al in which it was 47%. ...
... In our study, maximum prevalence of anaemia was seen in women with 15 lower socioeconomic status women (64%). Sarla et al and Lokare et 16 al also found higher association of anaemia among pregnant females 17 of low socioeconomic status. ...
PREVALENCE OF ANAEMIA AND ITS SOCIO-DEMOGRAPHIC VARIABLES IN PREGNANT WOMEN AMONG RURAL POPULATION IN CENTRAL INDIA.
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Background: Anaemia in pregnancy is a major contributor in morbidity seen in pregnancy and childbirth. According to World Health Organization, prevalence of anaemia among pregnant women in developed countries is about 14%, whereas it is still as high as 51% in the developing world. Prevalence of anaemia among pregnant women in India is 45.7% in urban areas and 52.1% in rural areas. Aim: To study the health prole of patient and estimate the prevalence of anaemia and its socio demographic variables in rural population of central India. Methods: This was a prospective, longitudinal cross-sectional study conducted in Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology of a tertiary care hospital located in the rural central India for a period of 1 years. Total 2564 women who visited ANC clinic were screened for anaemia of which 1717 women were found to be anaemic (Hb < 11gm /dl in accordance to ICMR classication), and were enrolled for study. They were interviewed through a pre-designed and structured questionnaire and the data obtained was analysed. Results: Prevalence of anaemia was found to be 67.1% in the study. Out of these 57.4% had mild anaemia, 40.1% had moderate anaemia, 2.2% severe anaemia and 0.4% had very severe anaemia. Maximum women were in the age group 20-24 years (46.9%). 64% of the total women were from lower socioeconomic strata. Most of the anaemic women (44%) had received only primary education, 18% were illiterate and 38% had received more than primary education. Prevalence of anaemia was much higher in multigravida (64%). Regular iron intake was seen in 45% women, 31% were taking tablets irregularly and 24% had not taken any supplements. Anaemia i Conclusions: s still highly prevalent among pregnant women in rural India. Our study has also enlisted a few socio-demographic factors that contribute to such high prevalence of this disease. There is a need for effective implementation of the existing programmes and participation of locals for prevention and treatment of anaemia.
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... Our DM prevalence is noticeably less compared to the gestational diabetes reported in other studies of this country, even irrespective of the rural-urban context (7-13%) (13,15,16). Surprisingly, the anemia prevalence in our sample is much less than many studies done in Bangladesh (37-49%) (14,29) and India (62%) (30). This large variation might be due to the favorable socio-demographic and small number of gravid women than that of other studies (14,29,30). ...
... Surprisingly, the anemia prevalence in our sample is much less than many studies done in Bangladesh (37-49%) (14,29) and India (62%) (30). This large variation might be due to the favorable socio-demographic and small number of gravid women than that of other studies (14,29,30). However, it is also important to be noted that the pregnant women who attend ECOH usually receive general health and dietary counseling as well as supplementary medications if necessary (e.g., iron and folic acid), which might be a protective factor for not developing pregnancy-related adverse conditions. ...
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... These factors often lead to intentional or unintentional forgetting to consume the provided supplements, further complicating efforts to combat anemia in this demographic. Maternal anemia continues to be alarmingly common in developing nations, while the proportion of women who take one or more iron and folic acid (IFA) tablets during pregnancy remains consistently inadequate (Sarala, 2020). William Joe et al. noticed one study that after implementation of "Anaemia Mukt Bharat" strategy the IFA supplementation increased and other micronutrient such as B12, Folic acid also needed for reduction of anemia and now supply has been increased for this (Joe, 2022) (Toteja, 2006). ...
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... Thus, majority of pregnant women suffering from anemia came from the lower socioeconomic strata of the population. This finding has been supported by the studies of Sarala V et al. and Ahmad N et al., who noted that anemia was more common in lower socioeconomic strata of women (20,21). K, Kavitha in her study on nutritional status of pregnant women in rural area of Tamil Nadu in 2011 also observed that 70% of the study population had a monthly income ranging from Rs. 2000 to Rs. 4000 (22). ...
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... The present study attempted to assess severe anemia in pregnancy and reviewed the associated adverse maternal and fetal outcomes. The prevalence of severe anemia was high at 4.4%, similar to the findings of Jaleel R and Khan A (4.8%), and Sarala V and Gopalan U (5%). 11,12 Most other Indian studies have also reported high prevalence in close approximation only. [13][14][15][16] This may be attributable to low intake of iron/folic acid in the diet, relatively lower bioavailability of iron, and prolonged blood loss due to gastrointestinal infections. ...
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... 32% moderately anemic and 40% were severely anemic. This study is comparable to Sarala et al.6 32% anemic patients were managed with oral iron, 20% with parenteral iron therapy and 48% with blood transfusion. The most common complication during the antenatal period in anemic cases was preeclampsia in 14 patients, preterm in 13 patients, PPH in 4 patients, while in control group only 5 patients had preeclampsia, 6 patients had preterm labour and 2 patients had PPH. ...
Analytical study of an iron deficiency anemia during pregnancy at tertiary care center
Article
Full-text available
  • Aug 2023
Background: Anemia is a serious global public health problem affecting both developing and developed countries in reproductive age group. India contributes to about 80% of the maternal deaths due to anemia in south Asia. The objective was to analyse maternal and fetal outcome in anemic pregnant patients as compared to non anemic pregnant patients. Methods: This analytical study of 100 patients (50 anemic and 50 control groups) was conducted in department of obstetrics and gynecology, at tertiary care hospital, Surat from September 2022 to June 2023. Results: 56% were booked against 86% in the control group.44% were unbooked against 14% in the control group.66% in cases and 76% in controls were in majority age group of 21-29 years. 68% of the anemic women were multigravida as 50% in the control group.66% of the cases and 34% of the controls belongs to low socioeconomic class. Out of 50 cases of anemia 28% mild, 32% moderate and 40% severe degree. 32% anemic patients were managed with oral iron, 20% with parenteral iron therapy and 48% with blood transfusion. In cases, preeclampsia in 14 patients, preterm in 13 patients, PPH in 4 patients, while in control group 5 patients had preeclampsia, 6 patients had preterm labour and 2 patients had PPH. 1% maternal mortality in cases and zero in control groups. Conclusions: Antenatal management with correcting prenatal anemic status with dietary advises, prophylactic iron therapy, planned pregnancy with ensuring maternal iron sufficiency during gestation is most effective method.
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A STUDY ON THE PREVALENCE OF ANAEMIA AMONG PREGNANT WOMEN IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL IN KASHMIR VALLEY.
Article
  • Nov 2022
Introduction: Anaemia during pregnancy is a major health problem in South Asian countries and developing countries.World Health Organization (WHO) has dened anaemia in pregnancy as the haemoglobin less than 11g/dl. Predisposing factors of anaemia in pregnancy are young age, grandmultiparity, low socioeconomic status, illiteracy, ignorance and short interpregnancy interval. This study was done to know the prevalence and type of anaemia among pregnant women in Kashmir valley and study the factors that lead to the women being anaemic prior to pregnancy and gradually worsening of anaemia with each trimester. Materials And Method: A retrospective observational time based study was conducted from to mid October 2021 to mid January 2022 at Lalla Ded hospital , GMC Srinagar, Kashmir. Relevant patient data,ie. gestational age, parity, interpregnancy interval, same day haemoglobin estimation was collected from opd record register and analysed. The prevalence of anaemia was Results: 82.46%. moderate anaemia was most common (52.13%). The prevalence of anaemia was high among all the trimesters; 71.43% in rst trimester,86.5% in second trimester,80.5% in third trimester. Although the prevalence of anaemia was high in both primigravidae (76.72%) and multigravidae(85.51%), the prevalence of anaemia among primigravidae was less than multigravidae. Mild anaemia was more prevalent in primigravidas (24.66%) than multigravidas (19.56%) whereas moderate and severe anaemia was more in multigravidas. With interpregnancy interval of < 1yr, there was high incidence of moderate anaemia (85.71%). Whereas it was 31.25% when interpregnancy interval was between 1-<2yr. Conclusion: Most women enter pregnancy in an anaemic state, which is worsened as pregnancy progresses. Iron supplementation helps in decreasing the severity of anaemia, however the current measures are inadequate as high percentage of women in the third trimester suffer from anaemia(80.5%).Multiparity and interpregnancy interval < 1 yr was found to be important risk factors for anaemia.
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A study on prevalence of anemia among antenatal females registered at rural health training centre, Budhi in district Kathua
Article
Full-text available
  • Dec 2021
Background: Anemia has been recognized as the most common form of nutritional deficiency worldwide, particularly in developing countries like India. Anemia is a public health problem in both developed and developing countries. It affects 1.62 billion people globally, which corresponds to 24.8% of the world population. Though anemia is easily treatable and preventable disease, it continues to be significantly associated with pregnancy. The aims of the study were to determine the magnitude of anemia in pregnant women according to severity and to find out association of anemia with different variables.Methods: The present study was a retrospective type of study which was conducted over a period of 2 years. A total of 109 antenatal females were registered over the period of 2 years.Results: The most common age group seen was 26-30 years (45%), majority of females were Hindu (95.4%) and belonged to lower socio-economic status (52.3%). The obstetrics history of the antenatal females’ shows, majority of them registered themselves in their 1st trimester (73.4%) and around 22.1% of the females had birth interval between 2-3 years, followed by 1-2 years. Majority of them had moderate anemia (82%), followed by mild anemia (10%). Only 1% of females had severe anemia while rest had no anemia (7%).Conclusions: This study revealed a high prevalence of anemia in antenatal females, irrespective of religion, socio-economic status, etc. anemia is found to be endemic in this region, due to various unfavorable socio-demographic factors. Strengthening of the existing adolescent and maternal health interventions focusing towards anemia screening and prevention among reproductive age group.
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Prevalence of anemia among pregnant women - A cross-sectional study
Article
Full-text available
  • Jan 2018
Background: Anemia in pregnancy is a worldwide problem, but it is most prevalent in the developing world. Anemia during pregnancy affects both mother’s and her child’s health. Globally, the prevalence of anemia is 74% among pregnant women, and in India, it ranges from 19% to 61%. Anemia during pregnancy will lead to consequences such as fetal anemia, low birth weight, preterm delivery, intrauterine growth restriction, and perinatal mortality. Anemia during pregnancy and its consequences can be prevented and treated if diagnosed on time. Objective: This study was done with the objective to determine the prevalence of anemia and its associated factors among pregnant women. Materials and Methods: A retrospective record‑based study was conducted at the Urban Health and Training Centre (UHTC) of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Medical College, Bengaluru. The study was conducted for a period of 2 months (May–June 2017). All the antenatal mothers visiting the UHTC for regular antenatal checkup during this period were included in the study after taking informed consent for participation in the study. The data were collected using semi‑structured questionnaire. Results: Among 300 study subjects, most of them were in the age group of 21–35 years with mean age 24.4 + 4.2 years. Around 67% of study subjects were in the second trimester and 42% were primigravida. The prevalence of anemia among pregnant mothers was 68.6% (60.6% and 8.0% were mild and moderately anemic, respectively), none of the study subjects were severely anemic. There was no significant association between hemoglobin status and factors such as education, diet, age at first pregnancy, and gravid status, but there was significant association between spacing between pregnancy and utilization of integrated child development nutritional services and hemoglobin status of pregnant mothers. Conclusion: The prevalence of anemia among pregnant women was high. Spacing between pregnancies will have a significant impact on hemoglobin status of pregnant women.
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Prevalence of anemia in pregnancy and its outcome in rural Tertiary Care Centre in India
Article
Full-text available
  • Apr 2019
Anemia in pregnancy is a major health problem in developing countries. Haemorrhage ranks first in the list of maternal mortality in developing countries. Materials and Methods: A prospective study on all anaemic pregnant patients (according to WHO) admitted to labour room of more than 28 weeks gestational age from May 2015 to May 2017 in Sri Siddhartha Medical College, Tumkur were included in the study and appropriately treated. Demographic factors like age, education, socioeconomic status, parity, birth spacing and intake of iron supplements was studied. Maternal and perinatal outcome was also studied. Results: Among 2982 deliveries, 32 cases were excluded according to exclusion criteria. About 1903 were found to be anemic. In these cases, 61% were in 20-24yrs age group, 35% patients educated upto middle school, 71% belonged to low socioeconomic status, 62.1% had less than 2 years of birth spacing. All these factors were statistically significant. But 38% cases had not received iron supplements. Although mild anemia cases were uneventful, moderate and severe anaemia cases had maternal complications. In moderate anemia, 4% patients had PPH and received blood and blood products, 10 % had puerperial fever and rest uneventful. Severe anemia had significant outcome: preterm labour (38%), preeclampsia (20%), IUGR (10%), intrauterine fetal demise (8%), abruption placenta (7%), placenta previa (1%), puerperal fever (7.2%), cardiac failure (0.8%), PPH (8%). Maternal mortality was noted in 3 patients. About 35 neonates of mild anaemic cases,65 neonates of moderate anaemic cases and nearly 46.5% of severe anaemia cases had complications. Conclusion: Prevalence of anemia is most common in rural population. Demographic factors also play a very important role. Effective management of anemia cases definitely prevents maternal and perinatal mortality.
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ANEMIA DURING PREGNANCY IN THE WOMEN OF WESTERN NEPAL
Article
Full-text available
  • Jan 2013
Objective: Anemia is the most common nutritional deficiency disorder in the world. The prevalence of anemia in pregnancy varies considerably because of differences in socioeconomic conditions, lifestyles and health seeking behaviors across different cultures. The aim of this study was to evaluatethe prevalence of anemia among pregnant women in western part of Nepal.Method: A hospital based study was carried out in Nepalgunj Medical College, Kohalpur, Banke Nepal to determine prevalence of anemia among pregnant women. A total of 512 pregnant (15-45 years old) were included in thisstudy. Cyanmethaemoglobin method was used to determine the hemoglobin level. The study took place from January 2012 to December 2012. Statistical analyses were carried out by applying percentage and words excel 2007.Results: Out of five hundred twelve pregnant women, 210(41.02%) pregnant women were anemic and 302 pregnant women were non anemic (58.98%). Also, among these anemic pregnant women, majority (67.14 %) of these women were mildly anemic, whereas 28.57% were moderately and 4.29% were severely anemic.Conclusion: Prevalence of anemia was higher in the pregnant women at the second trimester (51.1%) and also at the 20-35 years age group (62.79%).
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Anaemia in Pregnancy: Prevalence and Possible Risk Factors in Kakamega County, Kenya
Article
Full-text available
  • Jan 2014
Anaemia in expectant women is a serious world-wide public health problem with adverse pregnancy outcomes. Haematological parameters indicative of pregnancy anaemia need to be investigated to provide basis for prompt management of anaemia in pregnancy. The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of anaemia in pregnant mothers of various age groups and at different gestation periods visiting antenatal clinic at a county level 5 hospital. The ages of recruited participants ranged from 16 to 40 years with a mean age of 26.8 ± 4.3 years. A total of 320 blood samples were collected during the first and subsequent visits to antenatal clinic from January to December 2013. The age, marital, socio-economic status, highest level of education, stages of each pregnancy of each participant were recorded. Haemoglobin estimation was done using a HemoCue® B-Hemoglobin system and positive anaemia cases were classified as mild, moderate, severe and very severe based on the world health organization criteria. The haemoglobin concentrations ranged from 6.5 g/dl – 15.5 g/dl with a mean of 10.2 ± 1.3g/dl. Data was analysed using the Chi-square test and Odds ratio. Out of all blood samples analyzed, 128 (40%) were anaemic of which 62.5% (n=80) were mildly anaemic cases whereas 37.5% (n=48) were moderately anaemic and no severe anaemic cases were detected. Anaemia was more prevalent (33.3% -60%) in second and third trimesters of pregnancy. Study results confirm that socio-economic deprivation and lack of basic education are important factors that predispose pregnant women to anaemia. Anaemia levels reported are low but persistent and present a potentially serious public health problem to the mother, foetal growth and delivery outcome and therefore require serious attention. It is recommended that the county government initiates free iron supplementation and enlist services of extension nutritionists in an integrated programme for the prevention and management of pregnancy related anaemia.
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The Effect of Early Marriages and Early Childbearing on Women’s Nutritional Status in India
Article
Full-text available
  • Feb 2015
The consequences of early childbearing on the growth and nutritional status of women in India has not been quantified in previous studies. Our study aimed to fill this gap by analysing the association between early marriage and early childbearing on nutritional status of Indian women, with a focus on Bihar and Andhra Pradesh, the two states accounting for the highest proportion of women marrying and giving first birth before 18 years of age. Our findings revealed that a substantial number of women were married before 18 years and thereby exposed to early pregnancy. Furthermore, a significantly higher proportion of women in the 'thin' category were married before 18 years, both in the Indian sample (33 %, p < 0.001) and in the selected states, Andhra Pradesh (31 %, p < 0.001) and Bihar (43 %, p < 0.001), compared to those women married at higher ages. Similarly, across all our samples women whose first birth was before age 18 years also had a significantly higher probability of being in the 'thin' category across all our samples. This pattern was also observed for associations between early childbirth and anemia levels. We conclude that the net effect of the early age at marriage and age at first birth on nutritional status is significant. Our results underline the need for preventing early marriages and the consequent high adolescent pregnancies in India, particularly in high prevalence states. This will help to improve nutritional status and health care utilisation among women, thereby, prevent maternal and child mortality and thus, achieve the MDGs 4-5.
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The prevalence of anaemia and associated factors in pregnant women in a rural Indian community
Article
Full-text available
  • May 2010
  • AMJ
Background Anaemia is the most frequently observed nutritional diseases in the world. In India, anaemia is the second most common cause of maternal death, accounting for 20% of total maternal deaths. This study aims to determine the prevalence of anaemia and to explore factors associated with anaemia in one rural Indian pregnant population.
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Worldwide prevalence of anaemia, WHO Vitamin and Mineral Nutrition Information System, 1993–2005
Article
  • Jun 2008
To provide current global and regional estimates of anaemia prevalence and number of persons affected in the total population and by population subgroup. We used anaemia prevalence data from the WHO Vitamin and Mineral Nutrition Information System for 1993-2005 to generate anaemia prevalence estimates for countries with data representative at the national level or at the first administrative level that is below the national level. For countries without eligible data, we employed regression-based estimates, which used the UN Human Development Index (HDI) and other health indicators. We combined country estimates, weighted by their population, to estimate anaemia prevalence at the global level, by UN Regions and by category of human development. Survey data covered 48.8 % of the global population, 76.1 % of preschool-aged children, 69.0 % of pregnant women and 73.5 % of non-pregnant women. The estimated global anaemia prevalence is 24.8 % (95 % CI 22.9, 26.7 %), affecting 1.62 billion people (95 % CI 1.50, 1.74 billion). Estimated anaemia prevalence is 47.4 % (95 % CI 45.7, 49.1 %) in preschool-aged children, 41.8 % (95 % CI 39.9, 43.8 %) in pregnant women and 30.2 % (95 % CI 28.7, 31.6 %) in non-pregnant women. In numbers, 293 million (95 % CI 282, 303 million) preschool-aged children, 56 million (95 % CI 54, 59 million) pregnant women and 468 million (95 % CI 446, 491 million) non-pregnant women are affected. Anaemia affects one-quarter of the world's population and is concentrated in preschool-aged children and women, making it a global public health problem. Data on relative contributions of causal factors are lacking, however, which makes it difficult to effectively address the problem.
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The burden of iron deficiency and anemia in Asia: Challenges in prevention and control. Nutritional Goals for Asia-Vision 2020: Proceedings IX Asian Congress of Nutrition
  • Jan 2003
  • 313-318
  • R F Florentine
Florentine RF. The burden of iron deficiency and anemia in Asia: Challenges in prevention and control. Nutritional Goals for Asia-Vision 2020: Proceedings IX Asian Congress of Nutrition. New Delhi, Nutrition Foundation of India; 2003:313-318.
Park textbook of preventive and social medicine by K Park
  • Jan 2013
  • 575
  • K Park
Park K. Park textbook of preventive and social medicine by K Park. Iron deficiency anemia: Jabalpur: M/S Banarsidas Bhanot, 21 st edition' 2013:575.
To study the efficacy, safety and compliance of iron sucrose in mild, moderate and severe anaemia in antenatal patient
  • Jan 2017
  • 350-355
  • R T Gourah
  • A Anand
Gourah RT, Anand A. To study the efficacy, safety and compliance of iron sucrose in mild, moderate and severe anaemia in antenatal patient. Indian J Obstet Gynaecol Res. 2017;4(4):350-5.