Hemoglobin levels and anemia-associated symptoms in pregnant Liberian women.
An epidemiological study was conducted of 515 pregnant Liberian women. The purposes of the study were to 1) assess the prevalence of anemia in Liberian women during the last trimester of pregnancy (when latent deficiencies are more apt to become clinically manifest), 2) ascertain which physician-obtained symptoms are related to low hemoglobin (Hb) levels and anemia, and 3) determine the sensitivity and specificity of symptoms commonly associated with anemia. The results indicated that the prevalence of anemia (defined as Hb < 11.0 g/dl) was 79.8%. Women who had headache as a symptom had significantly lower mean Hb values than women who did not have this symptom. The socioeconomic status of women with and without symptoms was not statistically different. The sensitivity of headache as an indicator of anemia and low Hb values was 83%, but the specificity of this symptom was low (27%). The utility of signs and symptoms as indicators is discussed in relation to the economic means of lesser-developed societies and their cultural practices.
Jackson
R T
RT
Department of Human Nutrition and Food Systems, University of Maryland, College Park 20742.
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000740:Anemia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology*; D005260:Female; D006454:Hemoglobins / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D007988:Liberia; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors
D006454:Hemoglobins