Author(s): Padmaja Jagati

Abstract:
The present field study was conducted in four selected slum areas namely Patapola, Jobra, Station Bazar, and Bidanasi under the Cuttack Municipal Corporation, Odisha to ascertain the prevalence of nutritional anemia in pregnant women. One hundred respondents were selected from each locality using simple random sampling method with an objective to study their socio-economic state, awareness regarding various food groups, food taboos, prevalence of anemia, clinical examination and general awareness regarding anemia. The intended goal of the present study was achieved via compilation of information regarding their diet pattern, knowledge regarding food groups during pregnancy and obliteration of anemia. The study revealed that on an average basis nearly 41% and 30% of respondents suffer with mild and moderate degrees of anemia respectively with other infections and deficiencies, 72% have several numbers of pregnancies and among them 40% have number of abortions, 67% are affected by different food taboos, 90% have zero knowledge about different food groups and 40% of them get help and supplements from the anganwadi health workers working in those specific locations. Thus, it is recommended that by incorporating proper awareness regarding the cause and eradication of anemia, suitable diet pattern during pregnancy, appropriate number of pregnancies and gap between consecutive pregnancies etc. among the women of the slum areas the degree of nutritional anemia can be reduced to a great extent which will help them towards leading a better life.