Prevalence of Anemia and Its Associated Factors among Female Patients in Tertiary Care Hospitals: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Anemia remains a major public health concern among women, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, and is associated with substantial morbidity, impaired functional capacity, and adverse reproductive and health outcomes. Objectives: To determine the prevalence of anemia and identify associated factors among adult female patients attending tertiary care hospitals in Lahore, Pakistan. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 180 adult female patients attending outpatient and inpatient departments of selected tertiary care hospitals in Lahore. Hemoglobin levels were measured using standard laboratory methods, and anemia severity was classified according to World Health Organization criteria. A structured questionnaire was administered to collect information on socio-demographic characteristics, dietary habits (including iron intake), menstrual history, reproductive factors, and comorbid conditions. Descriptive statistics were used to estimate prevalence, and inferential analyses were performed to examine associations between anemia and potential risk factors. Results: The overall prevalence of anemia was 46.1%. Mild, moderate, and severe anemia were identified in 21.7%, 19.4%, and 5.0% of participants, respectively. Anemia was significantly associated with low dietary iron intake, low socioeconomic status, heavy menstrual bleeding, and short inter-pregnancy interval. Higher prevalence was also observed among younger women and those with undernutrition. Conclusion: Anemia was highly prevalent among female patients attending tertiary care hospitals in Lahore, with several modifiable risk factors identified. Strengthening routine screening, improving dietary iron intake through targeted nutrition interventions, and integrating reproductive health counseling are essential strategies to reduce the burden of anemia among women.