CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY
Anaemia is a condition in which the concentration of haemoglobin in the blood of pregnant women falls below 11 grams per deciliter. More than a quarter of the world’s population suffers from anemia, which is one of the most frequent nutritional deficiency disorders (WHO/CDC, 2008). Anemia affects 1.62 billion individuals (about 25% of the world’s population), with 56 million of them being pregnant women (Balarajan, 2011; WHO/CDC, 2008). An estimated 41.8 percent of pregnant women in the world are anemic. Iron deficiency is thought to be responsible for at least half of the anemia burden. Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is the world’s most common nutritional condition, impacting 2 billion people globally, with pregnant women being especially vulnerable (WHO guideline, 2012). In developing countries, anemia is prevalent during pregnancy at 60.0 percent, with 7.0 percent of women being seriously anemic (Agan et al., 2010). Anemia affects 57.1 percent of pregnant women in Africa (de Benoist et al., 2008). The most afflicted region is Sub-Saharan Africa, with an estimated 17.2 million pregnant women suffering from anemia. This accounts for around a third of all cases worldwide (WHO, 2008). Anemia affects 55.1 percent of pregnant Nigerian women and 46.4 percent of non-pregnant Nigerian women (Ministry of Health, 2013). Anaemia during pregnancy is classified as severe if the haemoglobin concentration is less than 7.0 g/dl, moderate if the concentration is 7.0 to 9.9 g/dl, and mild if the concentration is 10.0 to 10.9 g/dl (Balarajan et al., 2010). There are numerous causes and contributing factors for anemia during pregnancy. 75 percent of anemia cases during pregnancy are caused by iron deficiency (Balarajan et al., 2011; Haidar, 2010). Malaria, helminth infestations, and HIV have all been linked to a high frequency of anemia in Sub-Saharan Africa (Ouédraogo et al., 2012; Tolentino and Friedman, 2007). Anemia during pregnancy is also caused by loss of appetite and severe vomiting during pregnancy, as well as high menstrual flow before to pregnancy (Noronha et al., 2010). Multiple pregnancies, teenage pregnancies, mother illiteracy, unemployment/underemployment, short pregnancy intervals, gestational age, primigravida, and multigravida are all factors to consider (Haniff et al., 2007; Noronha et al., 2010).
STATEMENT OF PROBLEM
In underdeveloped nations, anemia during pregnancy is a leading cause of illness and mortality among pregnant women and infants (Akhtar and Hassan, 2012). In the year 2013, an estimated 289,000 women died around the world. Developing nations account for 99 percent (286 000) of all maternal fatalities worldwide, with Sub-Saharan Africa accounting for 62 percent of all maternal deaths (179 000). Approximately 800 women die every day as a result of difficulties during pregnancy and childbirth around the world (WHOa, 2015). Anaemia is responsible for 20% of all maternal fatalities (WHOb, 2015). Low birth weight, fetal damage, and newborn mortality are all caused by anemia during pregnancy (Banhidy et al., 2011). (Kalaivani, 2009). Balarajan et al., 2011; Balarajan et al., 2011; Balarajan et al., 2011; Balarajan et al., 2011; Balarajan et al., 2011; Balarajan et al., 2011; Balarajan et al., 2011; Balarajan et al., 2011; The frequency of anemia among pregnant women in Nigeria is 55.1 percent. It is deemed a major public health hazard if the prevalence of anemia among pregnant women is 40.0 percent or higher (McLean et al., 2008). Anaemia is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among pregnant women, raising the risks of foetal, neonatal, and total infant mortality (Akhtar and Hassan, 2012). In the year 2013, an estimated 289,000 women died around the world. Developing nations account for 99 percent (286 000) of all maternal fatalities worldwide, with Sub-Saharan Africa accounting for 62 percent of all maternal deaths (179 000). Approximately 800 women die every day as a result of difficulties during pregnancy and childbirth around the world (WHOa, 2015).
Anemia during pregnancy is responsible for 20% of all maternal fatalities (WHOb, 2015). According to the KDHS 2008-09, maternal mortality climbed from 414/100,000 in 2003 to 488/100,000 in 2008-09, falling short of the MDG target of 488/100,000. Based on this evidence, the high frequency of anemia among pregnant women in Nigeria is thought to be the leading cause of maternal death.
Low birth weight, preterm birth, and intrauterine growth restriction are all linked to anemia during pregnancy (Banhidy F et al., 2011and Haggaz et al., 2010). Folic acid deficiency during pregnancy can cause significant neural tube defects, heart defects and cleft lips (Wilcox as al., 2007), limb defects, and urinary tract malformations (Wolff et al., 2009).
OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY
Overarching goal
To assess the prevalence of anemia and the factors linked to it among pregnant women attending an antenatal clinic at UTUH Cottage Hospital in Nairobi throughout the second and third trimesters.
aims that are specific
To investigate the prevalence of anemia among pregnant women attending UTUH Cottage Hospital’s antenatal clinic throughout the second and third trimesters.
To investigate factors linked to anemia in pregnant women attending UTUH Cottage Hospital’s prenatal clinic throughout the second and third trimesters.
RESEARCH HYPOTHESIS
HO: Pregnant women attending ANC at UTUH Cottage Hospital throughout the second and third trimesters have no risk factors for anemia.
H1: There are parameters linked to anemia in pregnant women who attend ANC at UTUH Cottage Hospital during their second and third trimesters.
RESEARCH QUESTIONS
1.How common is anemia among pregnant women attending UTUH Cottage Hospital’s antenatal clinic during the second and third trimesters?
2.What factors are linked to anemia in pregnant women attending UTUH Cottage Hospital’s antenatal clinic in the second and third trimesters?
3.What are the causes of anemia in pregnant women attending UTUH Cottage Hospital’s antenatal clinic during the second and third trimesters
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