Hamid Saeed Haq, Muhammad Asif.
Prevalance of Anemia in Pregnant Women in Muzaffarabad Division of Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
Ann Pak Inst Med Sci Jan ;10(1):39-42.

Objective: To know the prevalence and the severity of anemia in pregnant women of Muzaffarabad division of Azad Jammu and Kashmir. Study Design: Descriptive cross sectional study Place and Duration: The study conducted at the Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed (SKBZ) / AK Combined Military hospital Muzaffarabad, Azad Jammu and Kashmir from January 2014 to May 2014. Materials and Methods: Women with multiparity and those found to have pallor on general physical examination attending Obstetric outpatient department (OPD) were included in this study. All the women included in this study belonged to whole Muzaffarabad division of Azad Jammu and Kashmir. All these women were divided into two categories (i-e within and outside Muzaffarabad). Ethical clearance was obtained from the Ethical Committee of the Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed (SKBZ) Hospital /AK Combined Military hospital Muzaffarabad, Azad Jammu and Kashmir. Informed consent was also obtained from all women. Reports of results of hemoglobin concentrations and gestational history were obtained. Results: A total of 1000 pregnant women were selected for study as per the inclusion criterion. Majority of women (67%) were from the age group of 23 to 36 years. 91% of the women were found to have some degree of anemia. The number of women with moderate to severe anemia (hemoglobin concentrations <8 or 8-9.9) was significantly higher in women from outside Muzaffarabad as compared to subjects from within Muzaffarabad (p<0.001). Whereas, mild anemia (hemoglobin concentrations of 10-10.9) or normal hemoglobin concentrations was significantly higher in women from Muzaffarabad (p<0.001). Moderate anemia (hemoglobin concentrations of 8-9.9) was found more prevalent in 2nd and 3rd trimester, while mild anemia (hemoglobin concentrations of 10-10.9) was more prevalent in 1st trimester of pregnancy. The prevalence of severe anemia however; was not different is the all trimesters. Conclusion: Prevalence and severity of anemia in pregnant women of Muzaffarabad division of AJK is exceptionally high. The findings of our study highlights anemia in pregnancy a priority area of concern in this area.

PakMediNet -Pakistan's largest Database of Pakistani Medical Journals - http://www.pakmedinet.com