Anaemia in pregnancy: prevalence and associated socio-demographic and obstetric factors in urban and rural communities in Nsukka area of Enugu State, Nigeria

Background: Anaemia in pregnancy is a major cause of maternal death especially, in developing countries. Objectives: The study was aimed at determining the prevalence of anaemia and its associated socio-demographic and obstetric factors among pregnant women in Nsukka Area of Enugu State, Nigeria. Methods: Pregnant women numbering 386 participated in the study. Respondents' socio-demographic and obstetric data were collected using validated structured questionnaire. Haemoglobin concentration (Hb conc) was determined and used to categorize the women following WHO classification. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Duncan's new multiple range tests, T-test and Pearson's correlation coefficient. Results: More than half (55.9%) of the respondents had low Hb conc; with 39% and 16.9% having mild and moderate anaemia, respectively. Hb conc was significantly influenced by age, occupation, educational and income levels (P<0.05). Hb conc significantly increased with increase in educational and income levels. Negative correlation existed between respondents' parity and Hb (r=-0.281; P<0.05).Women with 4 - 6 previous pregnancies had the lowest Hb conc (10.18 +/- 0.86g/dl) among the respondents. Conclusion: Anaemia in pregnancy is highly prevalent in Nsukka, and was associated with younger age, low educational and income levels, and higher parity. Girl-child/women's education must be highly prioritized, and adolescent marriage/pregnancy prevented through community-based approaches.