DefinePK

Research Objective

To assess the frequency of anemia among pregnant females visiting Rawal Institute of Health Sciences and to find out the risk factors contributing to anemia.

Methodology

Cross-sectional descriptive study conducted at Rawal Institute of Health Sciences, Islamabad, Pakistan, from May to July 2019. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data from 100 pregnant women through non-probability convenient sampling. Hemoglobin concentration data was obtained from antenatal records.

Methodology Flowchart

                        graph TD;
    A["Study Conception & Design"] --> B["Participant Recruitment - Non-probability Convenient Sampling"];
    B --> C["Data Collection via Questionnaire & Antenatal Records"];
    C --> D["Data Analysis - Averages & Percentages"];
    D --> E["Interpretation of Results"];
    E --> F["Conclusion & Recommendations"];                    

Discussion

The high frequency of anemia (77%) in the study population is attributed to inadequate diet, stress, multiple pregnancies, menorrhagia, clinical illnesses, and intestinal parasitic infections. The study notes that multiparity increases the risk of anemia. While education levels were generally high, anemia was still prevalent, suggesting other socio-economic and lifestyle factors are significant. Co-morbidities like hypertension, diabetes, and parasitic infections were associated with higher anemia rates. Dietary patterns, particularly low meat and protein intake, were also identified as contributing factors, potentially linked to poor mental health.

Key Findings

Overall frequency of anemic pregnant women was 77%. Hemoglobin level was less than 7 g/dl in 3%, moderate anemia (7-9.9 g/dl) in 6%, and mild anemia (10-10.9 g/dl) in 68% of the participants.

Conclusion

Anemia is a significant public health problem in the studied population, characterized by high frequency. Contributing factors include inadequate diet, stress, multiple pregnancies, menorrhagia, clinical illnesses, and intestinal parasitic infections.

Fact Check

* The study was conducted from May to July 2019. (Confirmed in "MATERIAL & METHODS")
* A total of 100 pregnant women participated in the study. (Confirmed in "MATERIAL & METHODS" and "ABSTRACT")
* 77% of the pregnant women in the study were found to be anemic. (Confirmed in "ABSTRACT" and "RESULTS")

Mind Map