PREVALENCE OF ANEMIA AND ASSOCIATED DIETARY HABITS AMONG PREGNANT WOMEN IN TERTIARY CARE SETTINGS: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Abstract

Background: Anemia in pregnancy is a persistent global health concern, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, where it contributes to maternal and fetal complications. Dietary iron deficiency remains a leading cause, especially in resource-constrained clinical settings.

Objective: To determine the prevalence of anemia and assess dietary patterns linked to iron deficiency among pregnant women in their second and third trimesters attending a tertiary care hospital in Lahore.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted over eight months and included 422 pregnant women selected via consecutive non-probability sampling. Participants in their second and third trimesters were enrolled based on defined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Hemoglobin levels were measured using automated hematology analyzers. Dietary intake patterns were assessed through a structured, culturally adapted questionnaire. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 26. Logistic regression was applied to identify predictors of anemia. Ethical approval was granted by the Institutional Review Board (IRB).

Results: Anemia prevalence was 63.0%, with 33.6% mild, 24.4% moderate, and 5.0% severe cases. Significant dietary associations included low intake of red meat (p=0.002) and citrus fruits (p=0.001), and high consumption of tea/coffee with meals (p<0.001). Logistic regression revealed tea/coffee consumption with meals (OR 3.15), no citrus fruit intake (OR 2.07), and low meat intake (OR 1.82) as significant predictors of anemia. Third-trimester status and low income also emerged as contributory factors.

Conclusion: Anemia remains highly prevalent in pregnant women attending tertiary care, driven by poor dietary patterns and socioeconomic constraints. Targeted nutritional interventions and individualized dietary counseling should be integrated into antenatal care to address this preventable health issue.