DefinePK

Abstract

Background: Anemia during pregnancy is a persistent public health challenge, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, where it contributes significantly to maternal morbidity, preterm births, and low birth weight. The World Health Organization identifies anemia in pregnancy as a condition affecting over one-third of pregnant women globally, with South Asian countries bearing a disproportionate burden. Addressing socioeconomic determinants is crucial for designing effective maternal health interventions and reducing anemia-related complications.
Objective: To determine the prevalence of anemia and assess its association with key socioeconomic variables among pregnant women attending antenatal care at Lahore General Hospital (LGH), Lahore.
Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at the antenatal clinic of LGH between September 1 and 30, 2022. A total of 224 pregnant women aged 18–45 years were recruited through non-probability convenience sampling. Data were collected using a structured, interviewer-administered questionnaire covering age, education, employment, income, family structure, and meal frequency. Hemoglobin levels were measured using the Sysmex XN‑1000 automated analyzer. Anemia was defined as hemoglobin <11.0 g/dL. Associations between anemia and socioeconomic variables were analyzed using the chi-square test, with p<0.05 considered statistically significant.
Results: Anemia was observed in 157 out of 224 participants (70.1%). Women from joint families had a significantly higher prevalence (73.2%) compared to those in nuclear families (62.7%, p=0.004). Similarly, participants with household income below PKR 50,000 showed a higher anemia rate (84.4%) than those earning ≥PKR 50,000 (66.5%, p=0.03). No significant associations were found for education level (p=0.52), employment status (p=0.84), or meal frequency (p=0.65).
Conclusion: Anemia in pregnancy remains highly prevalent and is significantly influenced by household income and family structure. Addressing these socioeconomic factors is essential in planning effective antenatal nutritional strategies.