Prevalence of Anemia among Pregnant Women Attending Primary Health Care Center in Bab-Al-Moudham

Abstract

Background: Anemia is define as decreased hemoglobin level, or circulating red blood cells and it is the most common hematological disorder during pregnancy.

Objective(s): To identify prevalence of anemia, risk factors that contribute to the occurrence of anemia, and to explain the main types of anemia during pregnancy.

Materials and methods: A descriptive cross- sectional study conducted at primary health care  in Bab- Al-Moudham center in Baghdad city, the sample was selected by non- probability (convenient sampling) and sample size (150). The study started from 1^nd March to 10^th June 2012, the data was collected by direct interview technique.  Previous questionnaire was structured by the researchers to measure the variable of the study; these information infants include (age, educational level, number of children, type of delivery, and type of feeding, .etc).

Results: The results shows that most frequent age group was (2-29) years, (34.7%) of mothers were primary school graduate and about (54%) of the pregnant women with anemia had no abortion and no bleeding.

Conclusions: The study concluded that higher percentage of pregnant mothers was low rate hemoglobin.

Recommendations: The study recommended that encourage pregnant mothers to visit primary health care centers early and regularly and take drugs that prevent the occurrence of anemia during pregnancy period.