AWARENESS OF ANEMIA AMONG PRIMIGRAVIDA IN WORKING AND NON-WORKING WOMEN IN LAHORE

Objective: Body iron requirement is increased in the pregnant women for maintaining the health and development of the fetus and the mother. This study is aimed to assess to awareness of anemia among primigravida in working and non-working women in Lahore. Materials and Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted among the women attending the out-patient department of gynecology and obstetrics, to assess the level of awareness about anemia among pregnant women. A total 100 pregnant women were interviewed and information were collected by self-drafted questionnaire using associated variables. Interviews conducted by direct questionnaire; blood samples were drawn to document the hemoglobin levels. Results: The mean age was 26.28 ± 0.72. 62% of the participants were below 25 year of age, 36% had attained primary level of education, 36% were doing private jobs as a source of income, 46 % had a monthly family income of less than 25,000 PKR and 54 % belonged to the urban population of Lahore. Only 72% had heard the term anemia in their lives. However, 100 % stated that pallor is a sign of anemia. Conclusion: In this cross-sectional study it was found that poor knowledge about anemia and less iron intake is the main cause for anemia during pregnancy. Keywords: Anemia, pregnancy, iron deficiency