title: Prevalence and risk factors for anaemia in pregnancy in South Southern Nigeria.
abstract: The aim of this study was to ascertain the prevalence of anaemia in pregnancy in South Southern Nigeria, and to identify an 'at-risk' group for targeted intervention. Antenatal women were screened for anaemia for 1 year (October 2000-September 2001) at the booking clinics of our three government hospitals in Kwale zone. Univariate and multivariate logistic regressions of risk factors for anaemia ([Hb] < 11 g/dL) and severe anaemia ([Hb] < 7.0 g/dL) were carried out. The prevalence of overall anaemia and severe anaemia was found to be 56.1% and 6.7%, respectively. Independent risk factors for anaemia and severe anaemia were primigravidity, booking in late pregnancy and wet season. We conclude that anaemia remains a common problem in our population, and additional intervention for the 'at-risk' group is recommended.
authors.affiliation: Zonal General Hospital, Kwale, Delta State, Nigeria. voboro@hotmail.com
authors.forename: V O
authors.initials: VO
authors.lastname: Oboro
authors.forename: T O
authors.initials: TO
authors.lastname: Tabowei
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Jemikalajah
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000740:Anemia / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D009549:Nigeria / Q000453:epidemiology; D011247:Pregnancy; D011250:Pregnancy Complications, Hematologic / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology*; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors