Sociodemographic factors in anaemia in pregnancy at booking in Lagos, Nigeria
Anorlu, R.I.; Oluwole, A.A.; Abudu, O.O.
Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology the Journal of the Institute of Obstetrics and Gynaecology 26(8): 773-776
2006
ISSN/ISBN: 0144-3615 PMID: 17130028 DOI: 10.1080/01443610600963846Document Number: 198553
Anaemia in pregnancy is a common problem in many developing countries. In Nigeria, it is responsible for 11.0% of maternal deaths. This study examined the sociodemographic factors associated with anaemia in pregnancy. Anaemia was defined as a haemoglobin (Hb) level <11 g/dl. Proportions were compared using the chi 2 test. A total of 35.3% of the 374 women studied were anaemic. Anaemia was more common in primigravidae than in parous women of parity 2-4 ( chi 2=6.87; P=0.0087). Low socioeconomic status, ( chi 2=24.67, P=0.00090), short interval between pregnancies ( chi 2=20.34, P=0.000144), booking in the third trimester ( chi 2=15.4, P=0.00045) and recent febrile illness ( chi 2=6.80; P=0.0091) were associated with anaemia. Women who only used haematenics were more anaemic than those who also used anti-malarial chemoprophylaxis ( chi 2=57.32, P=0.00001). Anaemia in pregnancy is associated with several social and demographic factors. To reduce the prevalence of anaemia women need to have a good formal education, be economically empowered and good antenatal care must be made available, accessible and affordable to all women.