Abstract

Background: The relationship between iron deficiency anaemia and low-birth-weight babies during pregnancy remains significant. Low birth weight babies are an increasing risk affecting infant mortality and poor developmental abilities is a rising concern. We aimed to identify the changes in hemoglobin level during pregnancy and study their impact on birth outcomes. This study aimed also to investigate and compare the prevalence of anaemic and non anaemic pregnant women in Boko Bongaon block, Assam in relation to maternal, antenatal and birth-associated factors.

Subject/methods: The study setting is in a rural area of Boko-Bongaon, Kamrup situated 85km away from Guwahati city. The Study design is a community based cross-sectional study done during the period from August 2012 to July 2013. A total of 160 pregnant women were selected by simple random sampling and data collected by house to house visit. Interview was conducted with the use of Predesigned, Pretested structured schedule.

Results: We analysed deliveries of 160 pregnant women of which 156 were full term births and 4 still births. There was a statistical significant association between anaemia and birth weight of the babies. Anaemia (Hb<11g/dl), was prevalent in 86% of women, but was not significantly related to the birth outcomes.

Conclusion: The present study highlights the importance of regular monitoring of haemoglobin level at intervals during pregnancy to prevent anaemia. Future studies should explore other related risk factors and the reasons for poor birth outcomes in mothers in this population, to inform the design of appropriate public health policies that address this issue.

Keywords

anaemia, pregnancy, haemoglobin levels, birth outcome