Abstract

PIP: To determine contributory factors of anemia in pregnant women, 709 pregnant women in Karachi were studied from November 1986 to June 1988. Of the 709 patients, 400 were at a private institution while 309 were from governmental clinics. All subjects were attending the hospitals for their 1st antenatal care visit. Information was collected concerning socioeconomic status, age, parity, diet, and date of last menstrual period. The women ranged in age from 16 to 45 years and 17% were anemic. Anemia was common among primipara (16%), gravida 2-6 (16%, and gravida 7 (38%). Furthermore, it was found in 23% of the women in their 3rd trimester. Comparing patients in the private clinics and in the free clinics, 8% of the private clinic patients and 29% of the free clinic patients were anemic. Among fee clinic patients, anemia was shown 6% of the women having an adequate diet, 24% of those having a poor diet, and 58% of those having a very poor diet. Therefore, risk factors for anemia include low socioeconomic status, poor diets, gravida 7, and being in the 3rd trimester of pregnancy.