A comparative study on the prevalence and severity of anemia among urban and rural pregnant mothers in Davangere city, India

Background: Anemia is a global public health problem. Combating anemia during pregnancy has far reaching benefits in terms of safe motherhood and healthier future generations. Objectives:1) To compare the prevalence and severity of anemia among urban and rural pregnant mothers, beyond 12 weeks of amenorrhea. Method: An urban, rural based, cross – sectional, comparative study was conducted among 400 urban (210) and rural (190) pregnant mothers aged above 18 years and beyond 12 weeks of amenorrhea in the field practice areas. Hemoglobin was estimated by strip method using "Color Scale test kit Study period: 1 year Data analysis: Microsoft Excel, SPSS version 18 Statistical analysis: ‘Z’ test for proportion, Chi-square, Odd’s ratio Results: The prevalence of anemia was 74% and 59% in rural and urban mothers respectively. The severity was more among rural mothers and both the prevalence and severity were significant Conclusion: Prevalence and severity of anemia was more in rural mothers. It is recommended to improve the quality of antenatal care in the field practice areas.