A Cross-sectional Analysis on Anemia, Hemoglobin Level, and Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate in Pregnant Women in Gilgit–Baltistan, Pakistan

Zareen Akbar; Akbar Khan; Zaineb Akram; Meerab Razzaq; Nazir Ahmed Lone

doi:10.37185/LnS.1.1.854

Zareen Akbar Karakoram International University, Gilgit Baltistan, Pakistan
Akbar Khan Karakoram International University, Gilgit Baltistan, Pakistan
Zaineb Akram National University of Medical Sciences (NUMS), Rawalpindi, Pakistan
Meerab Razzaq National University of Medical Sciences (NUMS), Rawalpindi, Pakistan
Nazir Ahmed Lone National University of Medical Sciences (NUMS), Rawalpindi, Pakistan

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37185/LnS.1.1.854

Keywords: Anemia, Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate, Gestational Age, Hemoglobin, Pregnancy

Abstract

Objective: The present study was designed to study the prevalence of anemia, hemoglobin level, gestational
age, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate in pregnant women of Gilgit-Baltistan, to determine the factors, and
recommend intervention strategies to reduce this health problem in the female population of reproductive age
in Gilgit-Baltistan and in similar conditions.
Study Design: Cross-sectional analytical study.
Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in Gilgit-Baltistan (GB), Pakistan from March 2021 to
March 2022.
Methods: A total of 330 pregnant women from various parts of the region, including Gilgit city, Juglot, Naltar,
Nomal, and Hunza, were enrolled. Hemoglobin level was measured with an automated cell counter (Sysmex K-
21), and the erythrocyte sedimentation rate was determined by the Westergren method. The gestational age
was determined from the last menstrual period, later confirmed by ultrasonography.
Results: A significant proportion of pregnant women who presented with anemia were in their third trimester.
The prevalence of anemia was found to vary across age groups. The highest prevalence (30%) was observed in
the 37-40 years age group. In contrast, a lower prevalence (10.25%) was recorded among women aged 32-36
years. A positive correlation between gestational age and ESR and an inverse relationship between hemoglobin
concentration and ESR were observed.
Conclusion: Anemia was identified as a moderate public health problem among pregnant women in the Gilgit-
Baltistan region, with a prevalence of 30% among those aged 37–40 years. Both hemoglobin concentration and
gestational age were found to be important factors that correlate with an elevated erythrocyte sedimentation
rate.

How to cite this: Akbar Z, Khan A, Akram Z, Razza M, Lone NZ. A Cross-sectional Analysis on Anemia, Hemoglobin Level, and Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate in Pregnant Women in Gilgit–Baltistan, Pakistan. Life and Science. 2025; 6(4): 577-583. doi: http://doi.org/10.37185/LnS.1.1.854