Determinants of low hemoglobin levels among pregnant women attending antenatal clinic in Kagadi district

Abstract

In spite of intervention efforts, in Uganda, as in other developing countries, low levels of hemoglobin among pregnant women continue. Anemia among women of reproductive age (15-49 years) is a matter of national concern. This study was carried out to assess determinants of anemia in Kagadi district. Methods: This was a single cross-sectional, descriptive survey. The anemia status of the pregnant women was determined by measuring their hemoglobin levels. Possible determinant factors including socio-economic characteristics, knowledge, attitudes, practices and food intake were assessed using structured questionnaires Results: Among pregnant mothers who were receiving antenatal care at health facilities, 100 percent of them were diagnosed to be without Oedema,and for the signs of anemia, most of the women in Kagadi did not have any sign of anemia as follows;90 percent of the pregnant women did not have any sign of blurred vision.Among the respondents,95.50 percent have never experienced any vaginal bleeding .77 percent of the pregnant women did not experience abdominal pain during the Pregnancy.89.50 percent of the pregnant women did not experience severe headache. Majority of the pregnant women did not experience excessive vomiting .100 percent of the pregnant mothers often experienced swelling of the face, hands and legs and only 13 percent of the pregnant women felt a hing in the vaginal area.72 percent of the pregnant mothers received ANC 4 times during .112(52 percent) of the pregnant women took iron during the last pregnancy and 162(81 percent) of the pregnant women have never been diagnosed with anemia. Majority, 105(52.50 percent) of the pregnant women always had supplements on the normal foo they used to eat and 93(46.5 percent) of the pregnant women had usually three meals a day.46 (70.77 percent) prepare cassava as a meal. Almost a