Prevalence of anemia in pregnant women at Srinagarind Hospital

Abstract

Background :     Anemia is the most common hematological disorder in pregnant woman. Early diagnosis and cause identificaion of anemia could be useful for correction  and treatment of this condition and subsequently reduction of maternal and neonatal complications.

Objective :           To assess the prevalence of anemia and risk factors in pregnant women having their first antenatal cares at Srinagarind Hospital.

Design :                A descriptive and analytical study.

Setting : Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, Srinagarind Hospital, Khon Kaen University.

Subjects :             The total of 464 pregnant women who had their first antenatal care at Srinagarind Hospital form November 1, 1995 to March 31, 1996.

Main outcome measures :              Hemoglobin level less than 11 g/dl in all gestational age.

Results :               The prevalence of anemia in pregnant women is 23.49% if the criteria was Hb<11 g/dl and the prevalence is 6.47% if the criteria was Hb<10 g/dl. The mean value of hemoglobin was 11.82 g/dl (SD = 1.63). The risk factors are second trimester pregnancy (p = 0.0075) and low income patients (P = 0.0115).

Conclusion :       The prevalence of anemia in pregnant women is quite high. The proper investigation and treatment should be obtained since early pregnancy.