PREVALENCE OF ANEMIA IN PREGNANT WOMEN ATTENDING ANTENATAL CLINIC AT KISUMU COUNTY REFERRAL HOSPITAL IN KISUMU COUNTY

Abstract

This research work presents the magnitude of anemia and its determinant factors among pregnant women. As far as this research is done in Nyanza part of Kenya where there is a different cultural issue related to pregnancy and dietary habit, it will help the researcher to know the problem in different parts of the country. The study was to determine incidence and prevalence of anemia in pregnant women of reproductive age among women attending ANC clinic at Kisumu County Referral Hospital in Kisumu County in relation to incidence and prevalence, associated factors and nutritional status. The study was carried out as from 31st October, 2023 to 12 July, 2024. The study was a descriptive type and the target population was mothers attending the ANC clinic. A sample size of 79 was used and it was obtained from a calculation using Fisher et al formula. A total of 79 questionnaires were issued out of which 69 were fully filled. Data was analyzed using tables, graphs and pie charts. It is estimated globally 20% of pregnant women are anemic, about 18% in industrialized countries and in developing world. Thus, the figure increases to 50% and in a contributing factor to women developing health problem and dying during pregnancy and childbirth. Most respondents were aged 25-36 years holding 45% of the total respondents. In this group, the individuals had primary education accounting for 58% and this is indicative of lack of knowledge concerning anemia. Those attending the four-focused antenatal clinic were 30% suggesting that most of them missed the important preventive and promotive care during pregnancy. The study shows that efforts are needed to educate the community on the importance of attending ANC emphasizing on the four focused ANC visits and giving relevant health message to curb the problem. Health workers to provide drugs to pregnant women like hematinic and intermittent preventive treatment of malaria.