Related Experiment Videos
Maternal anaemia: a persistent problem in rural Tamil Nadu
J Rajaratnam1, R Abel, C Ganesan
1Christian Medical College and Hospital, RUHSA Campus, P.O., Vellore District 632209, Tamil Nadu, India.
The National Medical Journal of India
|February 24, 2001
Summary
Maternal anaemia remains high in India, with 69.3% of pregnant women affected. Iron deficiency anaemia prevalence was 29.5%, indicating ongoing challenges despite national interventions.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Nutritional Epidemiology
- Maternal Health
Background:
- Maternal anaemia incidence exceeds 70% in India.
- Nationwide interventions have not significantly reduced prevalence.
- Study conducted in Vellore district, Tamil Nadu, India.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the prevalence of maternal anaemia.
- To determine the prevalence of iron deficiency.
- To identify iron deficiency anaemia in pregnant women.
Main Methods:
- Haemoglobin (Hb) estimations in 895 pregnant women.
- Serum ferritin (SF) levels measured in 445 pregnant women.
- Prevalence calculated using standard diagnostic criteria (Hb < 11 g/dl, SF < 12 µg/L).
Main Results:
- Maternal anaemia prevalence was 69.3% (mean Hb 10.1 g/dl).
- Iron deficiency prevalence was 36.3% (mean SF 24.3 µg/L).
- Iron deficiency anaemia prevalence was 29.5%.
Conclusions:
- High prevalence of maternal anaemia persists in the study area.
- Iron deficiency anaemia remains a significant public health concern.
- Current interventions require re-evaluation for effectiveness.