PREVALENCE OF ANEMIA IN PREGNANCY IN A DEFINED URBAN COMMUNITY OF PESHAWAR

ABSTRACT
Objectives: To determine the prevalence of anemia during pregnancy in a defined urban population of Peshawar
community and major risk factors for developing it.
Methodology: This was a prospective, observational study conducted in the Maternity hospital Hasthnagri (Peshawar)
over a period of three months from august 2012 to october 2012 and 1000 pregnant women were subjected for investigations.
A blood sample was taken on routine antenatal check up to determine hemoglobin levels. A detailed account
on parity, dietary habits, socio- economic conditions and hygiene was made through simple structured proforma for
data collection.
Results: According to WHO anemia is defined as hemoglobin <11.0g/dl. This was found in 99% of the subjected
population and out of these mild cases were 3% (hemoglobin 9.0g/dl to 10.9g/dl) and surprisingly moderate anemia
(hemoglobin level 7.0g/dl to 8.9g/dl) was 96% and only 0.1% was severely anemic. Risk factors have been assessed
by questionnaire analysis and it was found 68%women with moderate anemia has history of malaria, 44%had history of
worm infestation and 50% had poor dietary habits and hygiene. Moderate anemia was also found to be high in women
with multiparity and no child spacing.
Conclusion: Prevalence of anemia is very high in urban population of Peshawar. Multiparity, poor socioeconomic
conditions and illiteracy are major contributin