THE PREVALENCE OF ANAEMIA AMONG PREGNANT WOMEN ATTENDING ANTENATAL CARE SERVICES AT KIYUMBA HEALTH CENTRE IV IN MASAKA DISTRICT. A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY.

Abstract

Background

The study was to improve the health being of pregnant women and reduce conditions associated with anemia, maternal transfusion, premature delivery, and high mortality rate among others.

 Methodology

A cross-sectional study design was used and this is because it was cheap and the study was to take relatively a short period. It was conducted among 186 respondents at Kiyumba Health Centre IV between June and July 2023. A simple random sampling technique was used to select the participants and the selected participants signed consent forms and thereafter questionnaires to fill those who were unable to read and write and were interviewed.

 Results

The results showed that out of the 186 respondents, 35 pregnant women were found to be anemic 32(91.43%) had mild anemia, (5.71%) had severe anemia, and only (2.86%) had moderate anemia. During the study, malaria and area of residence were found to be the risk factors and determinants of anemia among pregnant women where the majority,(17.20%) had suffered from malaria and as regards to the area of residence, (91.4%) were urban dwellers and (8.60%) were rural dwellers. Finally, the participants had suffered from different signs and symptoms during the pregnancy for example headache, dizziness, fatigue, and depression.

 Conclusion

The study found that the magnitude and severity of anemia among pregnant women are high in the third and second trimesters respectively. The study found that marital status, area of residence, and infections like malaria are the main risk factors and determinants of anemia among pregnant women..

 Recommendations

Health workers to make sure all pregnant mothers are tested for hemoglobin levels at every antenatal visit to determine their anemic states.