International Journal of Clinical Obstetrics and Gynaecology

Introduction: Anaemia in pregnancy remains a major global and national public-health problem with significant consequences for maternal and neonatal outcomes. The World Health Organization (WHO, 2024) defines anaemia in pregnancy as haemoglobin <11.0 g/dL. Despite national strategies such as Anaemia Mukt Bharat (AMB), India continues to report high prevalence, with NFHS-5 documenting ~60% anaemia among pregnant women in Bidar district, Karnataka. Understanding local prevalence and determinants is essential for targeted intervention.

Objectives: To estimate the prevalence of anaemia and to identify socio-demographic, dietary, and obstetric determinants of anaemia among antenatal women attending a tertiary care hospital in Bidar district.

Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 373 pregnant women attending the antenatal clinic of a tertiary hospital in Bidar, Karnataka. Participants were selected using systematic random sampling. Data were collected using a pre-tested structured questionnaire covering socio-demographic details, dietary practices, obstetric history, and iron-folic acid (IFA) supplementation adherence. Haemoglobin estimation was performed using an automated haematology analyser and classified per WHO (2024) criteria. Statistical analysis using SPSS v26 included descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and multivariate logistic regression. A p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results: Anaemia prevalence was 56.9%. Mild, moderate, and severe anaemia accounted for 31.1%, 22.3%, and 3.5% respectively. Anaemia prevalence increased significantly with advancing trimester (40.9% first trimester vs 63.8% third trimester, p = 0.008). Independent determinants included low maternal education (AOR = 2.38; p = 0.002), multiparity ?3 (AOR = 1.84; p = 0.01), short inter-pregnancy interval <2 years (AOR = 1.68; p = 0.04), and poor IFA adherence (<80 tablets; AOR = 2.59; p<0.001).