Burden of chronic severe anemia in obstetric patients in rural north India

There were 5124 deliveries during January to December 2000 and of these 386 patients (7.53%) were severely anemic (Hb < 6.0 g/dl). 1083 units of blood were transfused to these patients, a mean of 2.80 units to each patient. There were 2 maternal deaths due to severe anemia. Of the 386 patients, 246 could be interviewed in detail and their demographic details were compared with 100 normal pregnant women with haemoglobin levels of 10 g/dl or more. In the anemic group 81.7% were illiterate, 62.1% had no antenatal check, 78.8% had no access to safe drinking water 90.65% had no toilet facilities and used open fields for defaecation, 63.1% reported having diarrhoea and pain in abdomen off and on. 20.73% reported history of passage of worms in the stools. History of previous menorrhagia was present only in 1.2%. The comparable figures in the non-anaemic group were 34% illiterate, 24% no antenatal checkup, 55% no toilet facilities, 38% unsafe drinking water, 6% diarrhoea, 2% (worms in stools) and 5% menorrhagia. Hence it is concluded that along with prophylaxis with iron and folic acid sufficient consideration should be given to sanitation facilities, safe drinking water, recurrent gastrointestinal infection etc.