A cross-sectional study on the prevalence of different types of anemias in pregnant women in a rural tertiary care center.

Authors

  • Ms. Harika Peethambaram IIIrd Year MBBS , NRI Institute of Medical Sciences, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India
  • Dr. Hiranmaye Mokhasunavisu Assistant Professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, NRI Institute of Medical Sciences, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India
  • Dr. Ramya Sindhura Tammireddi Assistant Professor, Department of Pathology , NRI Institute of Medical Sciences, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India
  • Dr.Anusha Kollapu Post Graduate, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, NRI Institute of Medical Sciences, Visakhapatnam,Andhra Pradesh, India
  • Dr. L. Jhansi Rani Professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology , NRI Institute of Medical Sciences, Visakhapatnam,Andhra Pradesh, India
  • Dr. Atla Bhagyalakshmi Professor and Head Of Department, Department of Pathology ,NRI Institute of Medical Sciences, Visakhapatnam,Andhra Pradesh, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51168/sjhrafrica.v6i9.2043

Keywords:

Anemia, Pregnancy, Iron deficiency, Folate deficiency

Abstract

Background:

Anemia during pregnancy is a major public health concern, especially in rural areas of developing countries, and is associated with adverse maternal and fetal outcomes. Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is the most common type, though folate and vitamin B12 deficiencies also contribute. This study assessed the prevalence and distribution of different anemia types among pregnant women in a rural tertiary care setting.

Materials and Methods:

A cross-sectional study was conducted over 12 months (June 2024–May 2025) at the Department of Pathology and Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, NRI Institute of Medical Sciences, Visakhapatnam. A total of 150 pregnant women aged 18–40 years with anemia were included. Data were collected from complete blood picture profiles, hemoglobin levels, and nutritional markers, including serum iron, ferritin, folate, and vitamin B12. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS.

Results:

Most participants were aged 21–25 years (46%), followed by 26–30 years (24%), 18–20 years (20%), and 31–35 years (9.3%). Iron deficiency anemia was the predominant type (85.23%), followed by vitamin B12 deficiency (10.72%) and folate deficiency (4.69%). Severe anemia (Hb <7 g/dL) was exclusively due to IDA, while B12 and folate deficiencies were more frequent in mild anemia cases. Hematological and biochemical findings were consistent with these nutritional deficiencies. Higher prevalence was observed in women with greater parity and lower socioeconomic status.

Conclusion:

Iron deficiency overwhelmingly dominates anemia among pregnant women in rural India, with vitamin B12 and folate deficiencies contributing mainly to mild cases, particularly in multiparous women and those of lower socioeconomic status.

Recommendations:

Strengthened antenatal screening, nutritional counseling, and timely supplementation with iron, vitamin B12, and folate are essential to reduce maternal anemia and improve pregnancy outcomes.

Author Biographies

Ms. Harika Peethambaram, IIIrd Year MBBS , NRI Institute of Medical Sciences, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India

is a third-year MBBS student at NRI Institute of Medical Sciences, Sangivalasa, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India. She is actively involved in academic research and clinical training as part of her undergraduate medical education. Her areas of interest include pathology and community medicine, and she aspires to contribute to evidence-based healthcare through research and clinical practice.

Dr. Hiranmaye Mokhasunavisu, Assistant Professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, NRI Institute of Medical Sciences, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India

obtained her MBBS degree from Kalinga Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhubaneswar, and completed her MS in Obstetrics and Gynecology at SDM College of Medical Sciences and Hospital, Dharwad. She is currently serving as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at NRI Institute of Medical Sciences, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India. Her academic and clinical interests include high-risk obstetrics, gynecological surgeries, and women’s reproductive health.

Dr. Ramya Sindhura Tammireddi , Assistant Professor, Department of Pathology , NRI Institute of Medical Sciences, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India

completed her MBBS at Maharajah’s Institute of Medical Sciences and pursued her MD in Pathology at Alluri Sitarama Raju Academy of Medical Sciences. She is currently serving as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Pathology at NRI Institute of Medical Sciences, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India. With a strong academic background and clinical expertise in diagnostic pathology, she is actively engaged in teaching, research, and diagnostic services. Her areas of interest include hematopathology and oncopathology, and she is committed to advancing evidence-based medical education and patient care. ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0009-0002-5493-9497

Dr.Anusha Kollapu, Post Graduate, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, NRI Institute of Medical Sciences, Visakhapatnam,Andhra Pradesh, India

completed her MBBS from GSL Medical College, Rajahmundry, Andhra Pradesh, and pursued her MS in Obstetrics and Gynecology at NRI Institute of Medical Sciences, Sangivalasa, Visakhapatnam. She is actively engaged in clinical practice and academic training in women’s health, with particular interests in high-risk pregnancy management and reproductive health.

Dr. L. Jhansi Rani , Professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology , NRI Institute of Medical Sciences, Visakhapatnam,Andhra Pradesh, India

is a Professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at NRI Institute of Medical Sciences, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India. She completed her MBBS in 1983 from Andhra Medical College under Andhra University and her MS in Obstetrics and Gynecology in 1990 from the same institution under Dr. NTR University of Health Sciences, Vijayawada. With over 30 years of teaching experience, she has made significant contributions to medical education, clinical training, and women’s health care.

She is a Life Member of the Indian Medical Association (IMA) and an Annual Member of FOGSI. She has published five research papers in reputed journals, focusing on sterilization techniques, infertility evaluation, ovarian tumors, vertical transmission of HIV, and hepatitis B in antenatal women. Dr. Jhansi Rani has delivered guest lectures, chaired scientific sessions at state and national conferences, and was honored with the Best Doctor Award (2020) by the District Collector of Visakhapatnam. Her academic and clinical interests include infertility management, gynecologic oncology, and maternal-fetal medicine.

Dr. Atla Bhagyalakshmi , Professor and Head Of Department, Department of Pathology ,NRI Institute of Medical Sciences, Visakhapatnam,Andhra Pradesh, India

is Professor and Head of the Department of Pathology at NRI Institute of Medical Sciences, Visakhapatnam. She holds an MBBS (1982) and an MD in Pathology (1992) from Andhra Medical College, Visakhapatnam, and has over 37 years of teaching and professional experience. She previously served as Professor and Head, and Vice Principal (Admin), Andhra Medical College, Visakhapatnam, and retired from government service in 2021 after distinguished contributions to medical education and research.

She has held numerous leadership positions, including Vice Chairman of the Scientific and Research Committee and Coordinator of the PG Medical Education Committee at NRIIMS, Executive Council Member of Dr. NTR University of Health Sciences (2021–2024), Chairperson of the AMC Research Forum, and PhD guide in pathology under Dr. NTRUHS. She has also served as Chairperson of undergraduate and postgraduate examination boards, MCI assessor for UG/PG courses, and nodal officer of the Multidisciplinary Research Unit (MRU), AMC, where she was principal investigator for four funded projects.

Dr. Bhagya Lakshmi has published over 150 research papers in reputed national and international journals and has served as a reviewer and editorial board member for several indexed journals. She is a life member of the Indian Medical Association, Indian Association of Pathologists and Microbiologists, Indian Association of Cytologists, and NJBMS. She has received multiple awards, including two Certificates of Merit from the District Collector for exemplary service (1998 and 2011). Her major academic interests include oncopathology, hematopathology, and translational research in pathology.ORCID: http://orcid.org/0009-0007-0606-7301

 

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Published

2025-09-29

How to Cite

Peethambaram, M. H., Mokhasunavisu, D. H. ., Tammireddi, D. R. S. ., Kollapu, D., Rani, L. J. ., & Bhagyalakshmi , D. A. (2025). A cross-sectional study on the prevalence of different types of anemias in pregnant women in a rural tertiary care center. Student’s Journal of Health Research Africa, 6(9), 10. https://doi.org/10.51168/sjhrafrica.v6i9.2043

Issue

Vol. 6 No. 9 (2025): September 2025 issue

Section

Section of Pathology, and Histopathology

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Copyright (c) 2025 Ms. Harika Peethambaram, Dr. Hiranmaye Mokhasunavisu, Dr. Ramya Sindhura Tammireddi , Dr.Anusha Kollapu, Dr. L. Jhansi Rani , Dr. Atla Bhagyalakshmi

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