Sociodemographic characteristics of anaemic gravidae at booking: a preliminary study at Llesha, Western Nigeria.

BACKGROUND

Anaemia in pregnancy is a significant cause of direct and indirect morbidity and mortality to both the pregnant mother and her fetus. The prevalence however remains undetermined in many parts of Africa. The study aims at determining the prevalence of anaemia and sociodemographic characteristics of anaemic pregnant women in a Nigerian tertiary obstetric care centre.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study involving all pregnant women that registered for ante-natal care between 1st January 2001 and 30th of June 2001 in Wesley Guild Hospital Unit of Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex, Ile-lfe.

RESULTS

Prevalence of anaemia among the pregnant women during the period of study was 62.2%. Two percent of the women had severe anaemia. Parity and gestational age at booking significantly influenced the prevalence of anaemia.

CONCLUSION

Prevalence of anaemia among pregnant women in developing world is still unacceptably high, and it calls for improvement in standard of living for our pregnant women.