Anemia in pregnant women in a rural block of Kashmir valley: Its prevalence and socio-demographic associates -

Background: Anemia is a major public health problem in developing countries like India and is especially seen among women of childbearing age, during pregnancy and lactation. Nearly two-thirds of pregnant and one-half of non-pregnant women in developing countries have anemia, which increases the risk of maternal and fetal mortality and morbidity. Aims and objectives: The study was designed to assess the prevalence of anemia in pregnant women and to report the socio-demographic factors associated with anemia during pregnancy. Material & methods:This is a Cross sectional study. The study was conducted in Block Hajan, the rural field practice area under the department of community medicine, Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) Soura. 482 pregnant women were examined and screened for anemia. Haemoglobin level, age, education, income, type of family and parity were among the various variables studied.Statistical Analysis: Chi-square test using SPSS statistical package version(Chicago 11,IL). Results: A high prevalence (91%) of anemia (Hb