Obstetric factors associated with anaemia in pregnancy in a primary health center in south-south Nigeria

Anaemia has been reported as one of the commonest medical complications associated with pregnancy in the developing countries. It increases maternal, fetal and neonatal morbidity and mortality significantly. In Nigeria, maternal anaemia usually predates the period of pregnancy in the life of most of the mothers. These women succumb to early unprepared marriage, give birth to many children with poor child spacing and due to poverty and ignorance they book late for antenatal.  This study determines the obstetric factors associated with anaemia in pregnancy in a primary health centre in Port Harcourt in order to create awareness on maternal anaemia and the need to institute preventive and therapeutic measures.

Methods: This is a cross-sectional; hospital- based study. A total of two hundred and twenty-seven pregnant women attending the antenatal clinic were enrolled into the study at booking in a primary health centre. Data was collected by administrating questionnaires. Blood sample was collected for haemoglobin estimation. Means were compared using z-test and statistical significance was set at P<0.05.

Results: Out of the 227, 111(48.9%) were primigravida, most of whom were anaemic (65.8%). Majority of the women booked in the second trimester 135 (59.3%) and those that booked at the third trimester were more anaemic (70.9%). Pregnant women with birth interval of <1(66.7) and > 4years (78.6%) were mostly anaemic

Conclusion: Anaemia in pregnancy especially for those living in developing countries can be reduced if women are educated on the need for proper nutrition before pregnancy and on early ante-natal booking.