Seasonal variation in risk of anemia among pregnant Nepali women.
OBJECTIVE
We aimed to investigate whether there is any seasonal variation in risk of anemia among pregnant Nepali women.


METHODS
We studied the hematocrit values in pregnant women (n=5495) attending Patan Hospital, Kathmandu for the first antenatal visit in the 2-year period from January 1994 until December 1995. In a sub-sample of subjects (n=2706), additional information was obtained through interviews and clinical examinations. Logistic regression models were used to analyze data.


RESULTS
Mean hematocrit values recorded in the monsoon period were significantly lower than hematocrit values recorded in the winter. The prevalence of moderate (hematocrit 25-33%) and severe (hematocrit<25%) anemia was highest in September.


CONCLUSIONS
We found a clear seasonal variation in risk of anemia, which was associated with rainfall and temperature. The monsoon seems to be a period when interventions may give the most beneficial effects.
Bondevik
G T
GT
Centre for International Health, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway. gunnar.bondevik@cih.uib.no
Lie
R T
RT
Ulstein
M
M
Kvåle
G
G
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D000740:Anemia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology*; D005260:Female; D006400:Hematocrit; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D016015:Logistic Models; D009390:Nepal / Q000453:epidemiology; D016017:Odds Ratio; D011247:Pregnancy; D011250:Pregnancy Complications, Hematologic / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology*; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012621:Seasons; D012720:Severity of Illness Index