Anaemia in First Trimester: Proportion, Selected Causes and Associated Factors among First Trimester Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Clinics in Colombo District, Sri Lanka

To determine the proportion of anaemia and selected causes during the first trimester among pregnant women in selected Medical Officer of Health areas in Colombo District, Sri Lanka.

A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 700 first trimester pregnant women attending antenatal clinics using a pretested interviewer administered questionnaire. Blood samples were collected for relevant full blood count and blood picture. Severity of anaemia was categorised using WHO cutoff values. Data was analysed using SPSS version 26.0. Logistic regression was used to identify associated factors for anaemia. Level of significance was considered as p < 0.05.

The proportion of anaemia was 13.6% (mild-64.2%, moderate-34.7%, and severe-1.1%). The commonest cause of anaemia was iron deficiency (90.5%) followed by thalassemia trait 6.3%, vitamin B12/folate deficiency 1.1%, and other 2.2%.

Proportion of first trimester anaemia was higher than the reported prevalence in other regional studies such as in India (7.7%) and Bangladesh (10.4%). The most common cause of anaemia was iron deficiency. Findings highlight the need for early screening and intervention for anaemia among pregnant women.