EVALUATION OF CORRELATION FACTORS FOR PREVALENCE OF ANEMIA AND UTILIZATION OF HEMATINICS AMONG PREGNANT AND LACTATING WOMEN

Anemia is defined as a decreased hemoglobin level or circulating red blood cells, and it is the most common hematological disorder during pregnancy. The study was aimed to review the prevalence of anemia in pregnant and lactating women and to find out the correlation between educational status and prevalence of anemia if any. A Concurrent Observational study was carried out Using a Case Sheet of the In-patient and Out-Patient of Parul Sevasharam Hospital during a period of six months. Among 115 women, the majority of anemic women were in the age of 21-25 years. The present study showed that the prevalence of moderate anemia (42.60%) among pregnant and lactating women was high. The lower socio economic status (64.35%), low level of education were associated for high prevalence of anemia, and the majority of antenatal women were primigravida (37.39%) and were in the third trimester (77.39%) of pregnancy. The majority of women took iron supplements (42.31%) during pregnancy; all the hematinics (41.53%) were prescribed in oral route. Study suggests an association of socioeconomic status and education in prevalence of anemia. Majorly women with primigravida and in the third trimester were found to be anemic. The iron supplement was prescribed highest among all hematinics. Proper education and inclusion of foods rich in hematinics can reduce the risk of anemia in pregnant women. Prescription by generic name was more compare to brand name and nearly all drugs were prescribed from NLEM. The majority of women took iron supplements during pregnancy.