Prevalence of anaemia and associated factors among antenatal women in rural Kozhikode, Kerala.

CONTEXT

Anemia in pregnancy is a significant public health concern with detrimental aftereffects on maternal and fetal well-being universally, especially in developing countries like India.

AIMS

To estimate the prevalence of anemia in pregnant women in rural areas of Kozhikode by hemoglobin estimation and to study the selected factors associated with anemia.

SETTINGS AND DESIGN

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 295 antenatal women in all three trimesters residing in six selected panchayats of Kozhikode district from July 2016 to March 2017.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The cluster sampling method was followed. Data were obtained from antenatal women, applying a pretested semi-structured questionnaire. Hemoglobin estimation was done using the Humacount 30TS automated hematology analyzer.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED

Data were analyzed using SPSS 18 software.

RESULTS

The prevalence of anemia was 40%. Of this, 30.5% had mild anemia and 9.5% had moderate anemia. There were no cases of severe anemia. The prevalence was more in the second trimester. Factors such as excess menstrual blood loss prior to present pregnancy, early age at first delivery, trimester, and parity were found to be significantly associated with anemia.

CONCLUSION

Anemia continues to be a serious public health problem. Health system should pay more attention on different factors that contribute to anemia, and planners should formulate an apt policy and implement necessary changes in existing programs.