Masters Degrees (Family Medicine and Primary Care)

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Browsing Masters Degrees (Family Medicine and Primary Care) by Subject "Anemia in pregnancy -- Vhembe District Municipality (South Africa)"

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    Prevalence of anaemia in pregnancy and associated factors in Vhembe district, South Africa
    (Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2022-12) Ramavhuya, Mulimisi; Mash, Bob; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences. Dept. of Family and Emergency Medicine. Family Medicine and Primary Care.
    ENGLISH SUMMARY: Background: Anaemia in pregnancy is an indicator of poor nutrition and is associated with worse pregnancy outcomes. The World Health Organization (WHO) has set a target of 50% reduction in prevalence of anaemia by 2025. South Africa aims to achieve a haemoglobin of >10g/dl for 80% of women at delivery by the year 2023. This study aimed to assess its prevalence of anaemia in pregnancy and associated factors in Vhembe district. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional survey of women attending antenatal care in April-June 2021. A sample of 419 pregnant women was obtained and data collected from the maternity case records as well as a brief medication questionnaire. Results: The prevalence of anaemia in pregnancy in Vhembe district was 32.2%. Of those with anaemia, 58.7% were mild, 38.4% were moderate and 2.9% were severe. Adherence to prescribed oral supplements was 96.5% for iron and 97.3% for folic acid. Reported stock out for iron and folic acid supplements was 27.2% and 30.5% respectively. The mean age of the sample was 26.7 years (SD6.2) while the median gestational age was 30 weeks (IQR 21 to 38). The median gestational age at booking was 16 weeks (IQR 10 to 21) and median parity was 1 child (IQR 0 to 2). Majority of pregnant women with anaemia had food insecurity. Conclusion: The Vhembe district prevalence of anaemia in pregnancy is a moderate public health problem. Food insecurity appears to be the main factor associated with anaemia in pregnancy in Vhembe district.