Nutrition Status and Haemoglobin Levels of Pregnant Women Attending Kapenguria Hospital in West Pokot County, Kenya

Abstract

Objectives: To determine the nutritional status and haemoglobin levels of pregnant women in West Pokot County and, to establish the relationship between maternal demographic and socioeconomic factors and the nutritional status of the pregnant women. Methods: The study was done in West Pokot County, Kenya and used cross sectional analytical design using researcher administered questionnaires. A total 145 pregnant women aged 19-49 years who were randomly selected from among those attending Antenatal Clinic (ANC) at Kapenguria Level IV Hospital. Anthropometry measurements of MUAC of the pregnant women were taken using a standard MUAC tape. Whole blood was drawn from the finger for haemoglobin analysis which was done using HemoCue photometer. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 16 and 24 hour recall was analyzed using Nutri- Survey soft ware. Results: Based on MUAC cut offs, 31.7% were malnourished (MUAC <21.0 cm) while 68.3% of the respondents were normal (MUAC >21.0 cm). MUAC was positively correlated with the socio economic status (r=0.229, p=0.006). Anaemia prevalence was 73.6%. Linear regression showed that the age and parity were significant predictors of the MUAC of the pregnant women (p=0.001). The total assets owned were also found to significantly predict the MUAC of the pregnant women (p=0.028). Conclusions: Malnutrition and anaemia prevalence among pregnant women was high with no significant differences in the trimesters however, the age, parity and socioeconomic status were significant predictors of the nutrition status.