WORLD JOURNAL OF ADVANCE
HEALTHCARE RESEARCH

Dr. Ruqayah Y. Hasani*, Sedra A. Alnuamy and Duaa I. Al Ahmed

ABSTRACT

Background: Anemia is one of the most common nutritional deficiency diseases observed globally, the problem is more prevalent among pregnant women and contributes to maternal morbidity and mortality, as well as to low birth weight. Objective: The aim of the present study is to estimate the frequency of anaemia among full term pregnant women attending labour units in two Mosul maternity hospitals. Method and Material: A case series study design which was adopted included 400 full term pregnant women that were taken from both attendance of AL-Batool and AL-Khansaa Teaching Hospitals. A special questionnaire form was prepared using simplified and summarized questions. Data collection started on the 1st of January 2012 and ended on 1st of July 2012. Results: The study results showed that 42.25% of sample were anaemic, majority of them had mild grade of anaemia. Pregnant women with a mean age of 28.17±5.57 years. Primary school educated and illiterate women were highly and significantly observed in anaemic group. It was seen also that 94.25% of women in the sample were taken iron supplement even one time, but only 45.36% of them take supplement on regular basis. Those on regular usage high significant less frequently observed in anaemic group .Pica appeared in 13.75% of studied women where they were more frequently seen in anaemic group. Conclusion: There were 42.75% of full term pregnant women were anaemic, majority (98.22%) had mild grade, no detection of severe grade. Illiterate women more frequently among anaemic group. Employed and urban residing women less frequently among anaemic group. Screening for anaemia in antenatal care was done only in 42.75% of pregnant women.