Risk factors for Anemia in Pregnant Women in a rural area of Bahawalnagar Pakistan- a Descriptive Cross Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Anemia is the most common hematological complication of pregnancy. In developing countries, demographic, cultural, and socioeconomic factors could affect the occurrence of anemia in pregnancy. Aim: To determine the risk factors for anemia in pregnant women of a rural population (Area Mcleod Gunj, Distt. Bahawal Nagar, Pakistan) Methodology: A descriptive cross sectional study was conducted among the pregnant ladies coming at Rural Health Center (RHC) Mcleod Gunj Distt. Bahawalnagar, Punjab, Pakistan. The study was carried out on 127 women who came to RHC Mcleod Gunj, during January 2017 –May 2017.Information regarding socio-demographic background, Age, BMI (body mass index), parity, nutrition and previous obstetrical history were recorded through well-structured questionnaires to evaluate the risk factors for anemia in the women coming at the above said Rural Health Center(RHC).Data was analyzed by SPSS 20 and Pearson’s correlation Results: Hemoglobin concentration have a negative significant correlation (P≤0.01) with factors like Age (-0.239), Parity(-0.344), Abortions(-0.343) and PPH(-0.262). Some other factors such as Level of Education, Meat intake, and intake of oral supplements have significant(P≤0.01) positive correlation with hemoglobin concentration.(Level of education= 0.345, red meat intake= 0.300 , Oral supplements intake= 0.322). Factors such as BMI, Fruits intake, PIH, Gestational diabetes, IV iron and Blood Transfusions do not have any significant correlation with hemoglobin concentration. There was significant decrease in the hemoglobin concentration with each additional increase in parameters as age (R=-0.049 ± 0.018; significance level 0.007), parity(R= -0.244 ± 0.060; significance level 0.000), abortions/miscarriages(R= -0.271± 0.066; significance level 0.000) and postpartum hemorrhage/PPH (R= -0.998 ± 0.329; significance level 0.003). Conclusion: Hemoglobin concentration was found to have been significantly reduced with factors like increasing age, parity, abortions/miscarriages and PPH. Hemoglobin concentration was found to have been significantly increased with factors like increasing level of education, improved nutritional status i.e., more red meat intake and taking oral supplements regularly.