Risk factors associated with anemia in pregnant women in a Peruvian health center

Muñoz-Cuadra G.K.; García-Borjas C.N.; Arce-Huamani M.A. · Revista Peruana de Ginecologia y Obstetricia (2024) · DOI: 10.31403/rpgo.v70i2658

Resumen

Introduction: Anemia is a significant public health problem, especially in women of reproductive age. In pregnant women, it can cause serious complications, such as premature birth. Iron deficiency is a common cause of anemia, so early detection and treatment is crucial. Objective: To identify risk factors associated with anemia in pregnant women attended at the Ex Fundo Naranjal Health Center in 2022. Materials and Methods: Cross-sectional observational study of 387 pregnant women attended between July and December 2022. A total of 173 women in the third trimester of gestation were selected by non-probabilistic convenience sampling. Data were obtained from prenatal records and analyzed with SPSS 25. Descriptive, bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify significant associations between factors and anemia. Results: The majority of pregnant women were under 35 years of age (84.4%), with basic education (74%) and came from marginal urban areas (79.8%); 36.4% were overweight and 25.4% obese. Multivariate analysis showed that maternal age under 35 years (adjusted OR 1.18), low education level (aOR 1.14), and not receiving nutritional counseling (aOR 1.03) were significantly associated with anemia. Conclusions: Maternal age less than 35 years, low education level and lack of nutritional counselling were significant risk factors for anemia in pregnant women. Improved nutrition education and counselling and ensuring adequate iron supplementation are recommended.

Instituciones: Universidad Privada San Juan Bautista