Anaemia prevalence and associated factors among pregnant women at first antenatal visit in a tertiary hospital in Delhi, India: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Anaemia during pregnancy poses a significant public health challenge and remains the most common haematological condition affecting pregnant women. It is a leading cause of maternal morbidity and mortality, but can be detected and managed during the prenatal period to prevent severe complications in pregnancy and labour. The present study aimed to assess the prevalence of anaemia and identify its associated variables among pregnant women during their first antenatal visit. This cross-sectional study included 998 pregnant women in their first trimester attending the gynaecology outpatient department of a government tertiary care hospital in New Delhi, prior to any supplementation. Socio-demographic and reproductive data were collected using a pretested interview schedule. Haemoglobin levels were determined using a haemoglobinometer, and other data were collected following standard protocols. The overall prevalence of anaemia was 35.7%, with 22.6% of participants classified as mild and 13.1% as moderate/severe (moderate: 12.8%, severe: 0.3%). In unadjusted logistic regression, moderate/severe anaemia was more likely among women with no formal education (OR = 2.10, p = 0.04) and less likely among homemakers (OR = 0.54, p = 0.02) and among women in the obese BMI category (OR = 0.50, p = 0.02). Age at menarche showed a non-significant borderline association with mild anaemia (OR = 1.32, p = 0.07) and should be regarded as exploratory. Anaemia remains a significant public health concern among first-trimester pregnant women in this Delhi hospital population. These findings are specific to this hospital-based population. Strengthening health system efforts for early identification and intervention, particularly targeting women with low educational attainment, may help improve maternal health outcomes in similar settings.