Publication:

A study on prevalence of anemia among antenatal females registered at rural health training centre, Budhi in district Kathua

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.