Ratio of Incidence and Its Risk Factors of Anaemia Among Different Ethnic Pregnant Women of Quetta District, Balochistan, Pakistan.

Abstract

The prevalence and risk factors of anaemia among pregnant women of diverse ethnic backgrounds in Quetta District, Balochistan, Pakistan, were investigated during the period of June 2023 to January 2024. Pregnant women from diverse ethnic backgrounds comprised 526 individuals; among them were 140 Baloch (26.61%), 190 Pashtun (36.12%), 85 Hazara (16.15%), 61 Brahui (11.59%), and 50 Sindhi (9.50%). Blood samples were obtained in Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) tubes from the pathology and haematology departments of Sheikh Khalifah Bin Zayyad Hospital Quetta, Sandeman Provisional Hospital (SPH), and Bolan Medical Complex Hospital (BMCH). Iron deficiency affected 36.12% of the 526 women surveyed, followed by poor nutrition (22.81%), insufficient prenatal care (17.1%), parasite diseases (15.20%), and genetic predisposition (8.74%). The lowest mean haemoglobin level, 9.6 g/dL with a standard deviation of 1.3, is found in those under the age of 20. Compared to the youngest group, those over 35 and those aged 20 to 25 also exhibit comparatively higher mean values. The group of people who are 26–30 years old have the highest mean CRP level (4.1 mg/L) with a standard deviation of 1.4. In conclusion, the implementation of focused interventions aimed at addressing socio-economic causes, augmenting nutritional support, and improving access to prenatal care is necessary to reduce the prevalence of anaemia and improve maternal health outcomes in the area.