Postpartum morbidity and its determinants with special reference to anemia among urban vulnerable population in Uttar Pradesh: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background: The postpartum period is critically important for comprehensive obstetric care; however, most women are neglected during this important period.

Objective: This study was carried out to determine the burden of postpartum morbidities and associated factors among the urban vulnerable population in Gautam Buddha district, Uttar Pradesh.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 150 postpartum women in urban slums of Gautam Buddha district. A semi-structured questionnaire was used along with a physical examination and assessment of anemia by Sahli's hemoglobinometer.

Results: A total of 106 (70.7%) mothers reported at least one of the postpartum morbidities (PPMs). The most frequently reported morbidity was anemia (55.3%) followed by backache (29.3%). Almost a third (39, 36.8%) of all women, who suffered from PPM, did not seek any treatment for the same. Univariate analysis revealed that morbidities were higher among women with low literacy (Odds Ratio, OR: 5.63, 95% CI: 2.508-13.54, p = 0.000), low socioeconomic status (OR: 0.317, 95% CI: 0.151-0.657, p = 0.002), and inadequate antenatal care (OR: 0.108, 95% CI: 0.044-0.246, p = 0.0001). Similarly, young mothers (OR: 2.599, 95% CI: 1.332-5.14), less educated (OR = 3.603, 95% CI: 1.838-7.203, p = 0.000), those from lower economic status (OR: 0.247, 95% CI: 0.119-0.497, p = 0.001), with inadequate antenatal care (OR: 0.112, 95% CI: 0.052-0.232, p = 0.005), and low iron folic acid intake (OR: 0.371, 95% CI: 0.184-0.732, p = 0.004) showed higher prevalence of anemia.

Conclusion: The role of education and adequate antenatal care are highlighted in the study. Antenatal visits should be utilized as opportunities to increase awareness regarding various aspects of care during the postnatal period. Maintaining more comprehensive support and involvement between health care providers and the mothers is needed to prevent many of these postpartum morbidities.

Keywords: Anemia; mother and child health; postpartum morbidity; prevalence.

Figure 1

Distribution of study subjects according to obstetric events