Anemia in Pregnant Women Attending Paradise Hospital in Mutare in 2024

Abstract

Anaemia in pregnancy remains a major public-health concern in low-resource settings, contributing significantly to maternal morbidity and adverse perinatal outcomes. This study investigated the prevalence and determinants of anaemia among pregnant women attending antenatal care at Paradise Hospital in Mutare in 2024. Anemia is still a serious and underreported public health issue among pregnant patients in Mutare, despite regular prenatal care services, and it may have negative effects on both the mother and the fetus. A hospital based cross-sectional design was employed, enrolling 19 pregnant women through consecutive sampling. Full blood counts were analysed using automated haematology analysers to determine haemoglobin levels and classify anaemia severity. The study found a high prevalence of anaemia, with mild anaemia constituting the majority of cases, followed by moderate anaemia, while no cases of severe anaemia were recorded. 19 women presented with anemia, resulting in a prevalence of 40.4% where 15 of these presented with mild anemia (10.0 10.9 Hb) and 4 presenting with moderate anemia (7.0-9.9 Hb). No cases of severe anemia were recorded. Iron-deficiency indicators, such as low mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH), were the most common laboratory abnormalities. Younger maternal age, late booking for antenatal care, and inadequate dietary iron intake emerged as the main contributing factors. Anaemia in pregnancy continues to burden maternal health services in Mutare, underscoring the need for strengthened community health education, improved nutritional counselling, and timely antenatal booking. The study recommends targeted interventions aimed at early screening, consistent iron-folate supplementation, and support for high-risk groups. Despite the small sample size limiting the generalisability of results, the findings offer valuable insights that can inform local clinical practice and guide public-health strategies at Paradise Hospital and similar facilities.