EVALUATING THE PREVALENCE AND SEVERITY OF ANEMIA IN PREGNANT WOMEN: A RETROSPECTIVE CLINIC-BASED STUDY

Abstract

Anemia in pregnancy poses significant risks to maternal and fetal health, necessitating thorough evaluation and management. This retrospective study aimed to assess the prevalence and severity of anemia among pregnant women attending antenatal care. Conducted at a single center, this retrospective analysis included pregnant women undergoing routine antenatal checkups. Data on demographic characteristics, hemoglobin levels, and obstetric histories were collected. Anemia prevalence was determined based on hemoglobin levels, classified as mild (12 g/dL to 13.08 g/dL), moderate (8.4 g/dL to 11.99 g/dL), and severe (<5.6 g/dL). The study also explored demographic correlates of anemia. The study sample comprised 239 pregnant individuals, with a mean (SD) age of 35.52 (4.92) years. Mean (SD) hemoglobin levels were 12.72 (1.68) g/dL. The majority of participants were homemakers (74.92%) from urban areas (89.48%). Anemia was prevalent in 45.84% of pregnant women, with mild, moderate, and severe forms observed in 50.53%, 67.89%, and 1.56% of cases, respectively. Among anemic individuals, the majority (87.36%) were homemakers. No significant differences were found in age (p=0.27) or body weight (p=0.55) between pregnant women with or without anemia. Additionally, there was no significant disparity in anemia prevalence between rural and urban pregnant women (p=0.27). These findings underscore the substantial prevalence of anemia among pregnant women and highlight the predominance of moderate cases. The study emphasizes the importance of continued surveillance and targeted interventions to address anemia during pregnancy effectively, mitigating associated maternal and fetal health risks.