Evaluation of Anemia and Related Factors in Pregnancy: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Aim: Anemia is a public health problem in developing countries. In our study, it is aimed to evaluate the relationship between the presence of anemia in pregnancy and the factors which influence anemia. Methods: Our study was conducted with 567 voluntary pregnant contributors who attended as outpatients to Gulhane Education and Research Hospital Obstetrics Polyclinics between December 2018 and February 2019. The assessment questionnaire included questions about sociodemographic information, obstetric history and medication adherence, and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9. Results: Mean age of 567 voluntary pregnants was 28.1±5.0 (18-43) years and mean hemoglobin values were 12.4±1.3 (6.1-15.6) g/dL. Of the contributors, 12.3% had hemoglobin values <11 g/dL of which was described as anemia. Patients who had taken their medication regularly were less likely to have anemia than the ones who were not under regular treatment. Patients with a chronic disease before pregnancy showed significantly lower anemia prevalence compared to patients without the chronic disease. Based on Patient Health Questionnaire-9 scores, 43.9% of contributors showed mild signs of depression. There was no statistically significance between presence of anemia and signs of depression. Conclusion: Anemia was more frequent in pregnant women who experienced anemia in their previous pregnancy, and women having chronic disease and becoming pregnant were less likely to have anemia. Early diagnosis and treatment of anemia, which significantly affects maternal and infant health, can be possible during pregnancy, since it should be evaluated in all women planning and conceiving a pregnancy.