Anaemia in Pregnancy and Its Contributing Factors among Women in a Rural Area of Chattogram District, Bangladesh
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Background: Maternal anaemia alludes to a condition characterized by a reduction in the number of red blood cells or the amount of haemoglobin during pregnancy; haemoglobin is the protein responsible for transporting oxygen throughout the body. In contemporary times it is an ongoing public health concern. Objectives: To explore the association of maternal anaemia with its contributing factors among women living in a rural area of Chattogram district in Bangladesh. Methods: This cross-sectional, descriptive study was conducted among 146 pregnant women having some sorts of clinical anaemia, who came at Sitakunda Upazila Health Complex, Chattogram, Bangladesh, between July and December of 2023. A pre-tested, semi-structured questionnaire as well as patient data sheet were used for data collection through face-to-face interviews. Results: Among 146 participants, 74(50.7%) belonged to the 18–25 years age group, followed by 58(39.7%) in the 26–33 years age group, and 14(9.6%) in the 34-49 years age group. Most of them 88(60.3%) had secondary education, followed by 46(31.5%) primary and 12(8.2%) higher education. Regarding employment, 40(27.4%) were employed and 106(72.6%) were unemployed. Most of them 105(71.9%) had first time pregnancy (1st gravida), while 31(21.2%) had 2nd gravida, and 10(6.9%) had third or more gravida. Regarding frequency of daily meals, two times eating habit was reported by 15(10.3%), while three times by 120(82.2%) and four times or more by only 11(7.5%) women. Based on the World Health Organization (WHO) criteria, 5(3.4%) had mild anemia, while 123(84.3%) and 18(12.3%) had moderate and severe anaemia respectively. Among the participants, 20(13.7%) and 23(15.75%) had antepartum and postpartum haemorhage respectively, while 21(14.4%) received blood transfusion. Birth spacing was reported by only 12(8.22%) women. Regarding mode of delivery, 122(83.56%) had history of normal vaginal delivery (NVD) and 24(16.44%) had history of Caesarean section. Anaemia was significantly associated with maternal age, education, daily meals, history of antepartum and postpartum haemorrhage, blood transfusion, birth spacing, and mode of delivery. Conclusion: Regular antenatal checkup and iron supplementation are important to monitor and address any signs of anaemia during pregnancy.International Journal of Human and Health Sciences Vol. 09 No. 03 Jul’25 Page: 159-164
Authors: Sadia Tasnuva Jahan, Sadia Sultana
Institution: University of Creative Technology Chittagong
Language: English
Subfield: Hematology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4415525319