Prevalence of Anaemia in Pregnant Women at Booking in the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH) Calabar, Nigeria

Abstract

ABSTRACT

Anaemia in pregnancy affects nearly half of all pregnant women worldwide. World Health Organization (WHO) estimates the prevalence in developing countries to vary between 53.8% and 90%. It contributes significantly to maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality.  Periodic review is therefore necessary to determine the trend of this problem and the associated factors among pregnant women which might guide in its intervention and further study.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence of anaemia and its associated factors in pregnant women at booking at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS: This was a prospective descriptive cross sectional study conducted at antenatal booking clinic of UCTH using a semi–structured interviewer administered questionnaire from March to July, 2019. All pregnant women at their first antenatal visit were recruited for the study. Packed cell volume was used to assess the level of anaemia according to WHO guidelines.

RESULTS: Subjects used for the study were 441.  Anaemia was present in 237 of them, giving a prevalence rate of 53.7%. Mild anaemia was present in 42.9%, and 10.8% had moderate anaemia. Anaemia was more prevalent among those with lower level of education (95.3%; p=0.04); subjects with monthly salary of N100,000 or less (86.9%, p<0.05), those with genotype AA (55.8%, p<0.05) and non-users of haematinics (59.9%, p<0.05).

CONCLUSION: The prevalence of anaemia at booking in our environment is still high. There is need for universal basic education for the girl child; women empowerment and pre-pregnancy care for all our women

Keywords: Anaemia, Booking, UCTH.