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Abstract
Background
Periconceptual anemia is a major health issue facing the general population especially in rural areas where deficiencies in nutrition and cultural eating habits are very rife. The nature of traditional food restrictions, iron-enriched foods, and the use of tea/coffee post-meal cause the reduction of hemoglobin levels and poor maternal and fetal outcomes. The knowledge of such associations is essential in formulating appropriate interventions.
Aim
This was done to determine the prevalence of anemia in pregnant women visiting the rural primary health centers in Swat as well as to determine its relationship with the traditional dietary practices.
Methods
The study was a cross-sectional descriptive study during the period between July 2025 and September 2025. Fifteen hundred pregnant women at their second and third trimesters were recruited based on the non-probability convenience sampling. A structured questionnaire existed that was used to capture data about the socio-demographic data, obstetric history, and traditional dietary practices. A conventional hemoglobinometer was used to estimate the level of hemoglobin. The analysis of data was performed with the help of SPSS version 25 with the help of descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests, which identify the relationship between variables with a significance level of p<0.05.
Results
There was a high prevalence of anemia with moderate anemia in 36.7% and mild anemia in 30% of the respondents. The dietary restrictions such as avoiding meat, eggs, and green leafy vegetables and taking tea or coffee after meals were highly linked with anemia (p<0.01). Lack of education and joint family were found to have effect on the dietary practice and anemia.
Conclusion
Rural communities are largely prone to maternal anemia because of their traditional dietary practices. Nutrition education, counseling, and iron supplementation interventions should be culturally sensitive to enhance maternal hemoglobin levels and lead to the achievement of the healthier outcomes of the pregnancy.