Prevalence and Risk Factors of Anaemia in Pregnancy at Federal Medical Centre Owerri, Imo State

Anaemia in pregnancy remains a persistent public health problem in Nigeria, contributing significantly to maternal morbidity, peripartum haemorrhage risk, and adverse foetal outcomes. This study determines the prevalence and risk factors of anaemia in pregnancy among women attending antenatal clinic at the Federal Medical Centre, Owerri, Imo State, South East Nigeria. A cross-sectional study enrolled 250 pregnant women between 28 and 36 weeks gestation. Haemoglobin concentration was measured using an automated haematology analyser, with anaemia defined as haemoglobin below 11 g/dL per WHO criteria. Structured questionnaires captured dietary history, parity, history of malaria, socioeconomic status, and iron supplementation adherence. Anaemia prevalence was 46 percent, with mild anaemia (30 percent), moderate anaemia (12 percent), and severe anaemia (4 percent). Grand multiparity (OR 3.1), irregular iron supplementation (OR 2.7), prior malaria episode in index pregnancy (OR 2.4), and low dietary diversity score (OR 2.2) were independently associated with anaemia. Hookworm infestation was identified by stool examination in 18 percent of anaemic women. The study underlines the multifactorial aetiology of pregnancy anaemia in Imo State, encompassing nutritional, infectious, and obstetric drivers. Recommendations include dietary counselling, point-of-care haemoglobin screening at every antenatal visit, malaria prophylaxis optimisation, and helminth deworming integration into Federal Medical Centre Owerri antenatal protocols. Keywords: anaemia in pregnancy, prevalence, Owerri, risk factors, haemoglobin