Online Program

317236
Prevalence of Anemia among Pregnant Females and its Correlation with Fetal Mortality in Rural Areas of Gilgit-Baltistan Pakistan


Sunday, November 1, 2015

Saira Baig, M.Phil Environmental Sciences, B.Ed Education and B.Sc (Hons) Biological Sciences, Department of Biological Sciences, Karakoram International University, Gilgit, Pakistan
Background: This research was conducted in the Karakorum Mountains of Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan to identify the primary causes of anemia and to evaluate its correlation with fetal mortality rate among pregnant women.

Methods: Five months study included 150 pregnant women aged 15-40 years. Questionnaire was filled during prenatal medical examination. Serum ferreting test was used as diagnostic test for Iron deficiency, Serum B12 for vitamin B12 and CBC test for hemoglobin level. SPSS was used for data analysis.

Results: 85% mothers had anemia with highest percentage in age group of 25-40. 90% of these were in third trimester of pregnancy. 40% of these were illiterate whereas 50% were under 25 years. 80- 40% pregnant females had less than normal values of PCV, MCV, MCH and MCHC. 60% of anemic patients reflected a significant correlation in prevalence of anemia and poor dietary habits. The main causes of anemia were linked to poor socio-economic conditions leading to poor dietary habits (including excessive intake of tea, less consumption of red meat and Iron rich fruits and vegetables), high incidences of GIT diseases, abortions and multi-parity. 50% were not taking any iron supplements and 20% were facing the menorrhagia problem. Fetal mortality rate was found inversely proportional to Hb level; 25% in severely anemic group, 45% in moderate and 30% in mild anemic mothers.

Conclusion: In underprivileged areas, Iron deficiency is the most prevalent nutritional problem and the most common cause of anemia because of poor dietary habits, poor prenatal care and other socio-economic reasons.

Learning Areas:

Provision of health care to the public
Public health or related research

Learning Objectives:
List the primary reasons of Anemia in pregnant females of Rural Areas. Evaluate Anemia's correlation with fetal mortality rate in women aged 15-40. Analyze public health issues in Rural Areas.

Keyword(s): Women's Health, Reproductive Health

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: N/A

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: My personal interest in Public Health motivated me to do this field based research on pregnant females in rural settings of Pakistan. Besides this intrinsic motivation I have spent a wholesome amount of time and energy to make my work available to general public for awareness, which in my idea allows me to become author for serving the said purpose.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.