European Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

PREVALENCE OF ANAEMIA AMONG PREGNANT WOMEN IN NORTHERN NIGERIA

Tukur Ismail*, Ahmad Abdulwahab, Emmanuel Sokpo, Mukhtar Salihu Anka

ABSTRACT

Background: Anaemia in is an important public health concern in developing countries, particularly in pregnant women. It may complicate pregnancy, sometimes resulting in terrible outcomes. There is a lack of information on the magnitude of anemia among pregnant women in northern Nigeria. Objectives: The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of anaemia among pregnant women attending antenatal care at health facility in northern Nigeria. Design: A facility-based cross-sectional study, Setting: The survey was conducted in four northern Nigerian states namely: Jigawa, Katsina, Zamfara and Yobe States. The state has a total of 667 health facilities with primary, secondary and tertiary levels of care. Participant: Involving 1536 pregnant women, was conducted from May to June 2013. Hemoglobin was measured using a HemoCue device. Result: Overall, prevalence of anemia was 70.9%, of which Yobe State (88.8%) followed by Jigawa State (71.1%), then Zamfara state (62.2%) and Katsina (61.4%). The degree of anaemia cases ranged from mild to severe forms. Conclusion: This study showed an alarming prevalence of anaemia among the pregnant women. Routine testing of pregnant women for anaemia and creating awareness on factors predisposing to anemia is recommended.

Keywords: Prevalence, Anaemia, Pregnant, Northern Nigeria.