Frequency of Worm Infestation Among Pregnant Females Presenting with Anemia to Doctors Trust Teaching Hospital Sargodha

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Anemia is one of the major contributors to low fetal birth weight as well as
maternal mortality in developing countries. Various studies have associated anemia with helminthic
infestation. Hence with the elimination of such infestation, anemia may be reduced which will have a positive
impact on the delivery outcomes.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at Doctors Trust Teaching Hospital Sargodha from Ist
August 2019 to 31st July 2020 for which we enrolled 130 pregnant females. Blood hemoglobin levels and
stool examination for parasite infestation were performed for all these women and recorded on a structured
questionnaire. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 24.0.
Results: Among 130 pregnant females, the mean age observed was 29.86±6.61 years while the range was 18
years to 40 years. It was seen that 45.4% of the patients had mild, 26.9% of the patients had moderate while
27.7% had severe anemia. 17.7% of these females who presented with anemia to a tertiary care hospital had
worm infestation. Effect modifiers have a significant influence except for age and monthly income. Analysis
revealed that BMI was significantly related to worm infestation (p-value=0.005).
Conclusion: The frequency of worm infestation was found as 17.7% in pregnant females presenting with
anemia to a tertiary care hospital. A significant association was found between BMI and worm infestation
while no significant association was found in age and income with worm infestation.