Health risks among women desiring pregnancy within one year: a cross-sectional study in Maharashtra India
Abstract Background Health of women during preconception phase though critical is comparatively ignored period in her life cycle. Presence of health risks are judged as hazardous to well-being of women and her forthcoming progeny. The objective of the study was to measure the prevalence of health risks and its comparison between blocks.Methods A cross sectional study was conducted in two tribal and two non-tribal blocks in Nasik district, Maharashtra, India. Currently married women desiring conception within one year were included as study participants. Sample size was estimated to be 6,951. Data was collected by trained Accredited Social Health Activists using validated interview schedule. Anthropometric measures of women were recorded in standard manner. Body Mass Index criteria were used to assess the nutritional status.Results Mean age of women was 23.19 ± 3.71 years and 16% of them were adolescents. Illiteracy rate was higher in tribal than non-tribal women. Commonest reported occupation was farming. Despite being high parity and gravida status more tribal women desired pregnancy. Substance abuse was high among tribal women. Majority of women consumed meal with family members or with husband. Although 35% of women had low consumption of protein and calorie, yet most of them perceived to have abundant food.Conclusion Health risks namely younger age, illiteracy, farming with moderate to high-intensity work, high parity, low consumption of protein and calories and undernutrition were found to be prevalent and the risks were significantly more among tribal women. “Continuum of care” must include preconception care.