Prevalence of iron deficiency anemia among ante natal mothers

Anaemia in pregnancy is associated with increased rate of maternal and perinatal mortality, premature delivery, low birth weight and other adverse outcomes. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of anaemia among pregnant females attending selected nursing homes in sivasagar district, Assam and to assess the etiologic risk factors contributing to it during pregnancy. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 30 randomly selected pregnant females; data were collected using an interview questionnaire to collect data about socio-demographic characteristics, medical, obstetric and dietary histories. Hematological indicators were obtained from the last recorded values in the patients’ files. Anaemia was defined as haemoglobin level of less than 11.0g/dl. The observed prevalence rate of anaemia found in this study was (39%) and was higher among females from 25 to less than 35 years, house wives , low level of education, decreased birth spacing and history of anaemia before pregnancy were associated with increased risk of anaemia. Emphasis should be placed on pregnant women since they were particularly at risk. Health professionals must pay more attention to teach pregnant women good long-term dietary habits as a part of an overall approach to health promotion