Risk factors associated with anemia in pregnant women in a Peruvian health center

Abstract

Introduction: Anemia is a significant public health problem, especially in women of
reproductive age. In pregnant women, it can cause serious complications, such as
premature birth. Iron deficiency is a common cause of anemia, so early detection
and treatment is crucial. Objective: To identify risk factors associated with anemia in
pregnant women attended at the Ex Fundo Naranjal Health Center in 2022. Materials
and Methods: Cross-sectional observational study of 387 pregnant women attended
between July and December 2022. A total of 173 women in the third trimester of
gestation were selected by non-probabilistic convenience sampling. Data were
obtained from prenatal records and analyzed with SPSS 25. Descriptive, bivariate and
multivariate analyses were performed to identify significant associations between
factors and anemia. Results: The majority of pregnant women were under 35 years
of age (84.4%), with basic education (74%) and came from marginal urban areas
(79.8%); 36.4% were overweight and 25.4% obese. Multivariate analysis showed
that maternal age under 35 years (adjusted OR 1.18), low education level (aOR 1.14),
and not receiving nutritional counseling (aOR 1.03) were significantly associated
with anemia. Conclusions: Maternal age less than 35 years, low education level and
lack of nutritional counselling were significant risk factors for anemia in pregnant
women. Improved nutrition education and counselling and ensuring adequate iron
supplementation are recommended.