A PROSPECTIVE OBSERVATIONAL STUDY TO DETERMINE THE PREVALENCE OF ANEMIA AMONG WOMEN OF REPRODUCTIVE AGE (15-50 YRS)

Background: Anemia remains a major public health problem worldwide, particularly among women of reproductive age. It contributes significantly to maternal morbidity, reduced work productivity, and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Despite ongoing national health programs, the burden of anemia continues to be high in developing countries. The study was conducted to access the prevalence of anemia among women of reproductive age who are living in rural areas around Narasaraopet. Objectives: To determine the prevalence of anemia among women of reproductive age and to assess its severity according to WHO guidelines for anemia classification. Methods: A prospective observational cross-sectional study was conducted among women aged 15–50 years attending GOVT HOSPITAL, NARASARAOPET from NOVEMBER 2025 to JANUARY 2026. The study included 100 women of reproductive age 15-50 years who are visiting the hospital for their routine checkups. Data was collected from the reports of the patients from the Dept of Obstetrics & Gynecology from Narasaraopeta Govt Hospital. Anemia was classified according to WHO criteria. Data were entered in Microsoft Excel and analyzed. Results: Among 100 women of reproductive age (15–50 years), the overall prevalence of anemia was 86%. Moderate anemia (43%) was the most common category, followed by mild anemia (34%), severe anemia (8%), and life-threatening anemia (1%), while 14% had normal hemoglobin levels. Anemia was more prevalent among pregnant women (95%) compared to non-pregnant women (83.75%). Age-wise analysis showed the highest burden among women aged 20–25 years, with consistently high prevalence across most reproductive age groups. Among pregnant women, anemia was observed across nearly all gestational age intervals (12–36 weeks), with an overall prevalence of 95% Conclusion: The study demonstrates a high prevalence of anemia among women of reproductive age. Early screening, nutritional education, and targeted public health interventions are essential to reduce the burden and associated complications.