부산대학교 도서관

PURPOSE OF STUDY: Anaemia is a major concern in pregnant women world-wide as it is known to be associated with higher maternal mortality rates, lower infant birth weights, and worse developmental outcomes in children. Anaemia is known to be an issue in India. However, information is currently lacking on the prevalence of anaemia in rural India, and specifically in the state of Gujarat. The objective of our study was: To approximate the prevalence of anaemia in women of reproductive age in rural Gujarat and to determine nutritional factors, understanding of anaemia, and prenatal vitamin (PNV) supplementation. METHODS USED: The study took place in rural Gujarat, India in the Sinor area from 5/21/17–7/9/17 and included all women of reproductive age (15–45 years). Women were recruited randomly as a convenient sample in the local community hospital and during community health worker field visits. We used the Masimo Pronto device to measure Hgb and conducted a structured interview regarding diet, PNV use, and general understanding of anaemia. SUMMARY OF RESULTS: 46 measurements were obtained. Average age of participants was 25 (SD=5.49). Average Hgb values were 12.22 g/dL (SD=1.24) overall. Average Hgb was 11.9 g/dL (SD=1.21) for pregnant women (n=23), 12.45 g/dL (SD=1.24) for non-pregnant women (n=21), and 13.4 g/dL (SD=0.85) for women who recently delivered (n=2). 2/23 (8.7%) pregnant women, 4/21 (19%) non-pregnant women, and 0 recently-delivered women were found to be anaemic. 27/46 (58.7%) reported daily PNV use during their most recent pregnancy. 3/46 (4.35%) and 13/46 (28.3%) reported having some understanding of anaemia and indication for PNV, respectively. 0 reported making any dietary changes during pregnancy. 45.7%, 97.8%, 97.8%, and 63.0% reported high amounts (>1 x/week) of meats, legumes, vegetables, and fruits, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, anaemia prevalence among women of reproductive age in rural Gujarat is low. Women report high amounts of iron-rich foods in their diet and deny any dietary changes with their pregnancies. Most women report PNV use during pregnancy, although few report an understanding of the indication.