Prevalence of Anaemia in pregnancy among antenatal attendees in A Teaching Hospital in North - Central Nigeria: A cross-sectional study

Background: Anaemia in pregnancy remains a significant public health issue, particularly in developing countries, due to its associated risks for both mother and fetus. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and severity of anaemia among pregnant women attending antenatal care at Bingham University Teaching Hospital, Jos, Nigeria. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from June to August 2024, involving 200 pregnant women aged 15–49 years. Participants were recruited using consecutive non-probability sampling. Haemoglobin levels were measured, and anaemia was classified based on WHO criteria. Socio-demographic and obstetric data were also collected and analyzed using SPSS version 22. Results: The prevalence of anaemia among the study population was 66%, categorizing it as a severe public health issue according to WHO guidelines. Most anaemia cases were mild (65.9%) or moderate (33.3%), with only 0.8% being severe. No clear associations were found between anaemia and education level, gravidity, or trimester. The high prevalence is likely influenced by socioeconomic, nutritional, and regional disparities. Conclusion: Anaemia in pregnancy is highly prevalent among antenatal attendees in Jos, underscoring the urgent need for enhanced screening, health education, and targeted nutritional interventions throughout pregnancy.