| dc.description.abstract | Background: Anemia in pregnancy remains a highly prevalent condition, with a global prevalence rate of 40%. Early detection of declining hemoglobin (Hb) levels through laboratory testing at primary healthcare facilities, such as community health centers (puskesmas), using digital hemoglobinometers could serve as a diagnostic solution, though the reliability of these devices as screening tools requires further evaluation. This study aims to compare Hb levels at several puskesmas in Medan with findings from a clinical pathology laboratory of Prof. dr. CPL USU Hospital.
Methods: This observational cross-sectional study was conducted at several puskesmas in Medan from June 2024 until the sample size was met. Hb measurements for a group of pregnant women were conducted at both the puskesmas and the clinical pathology laboratory of Prof. dr. CPL USU Hospital on the same day. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 24.0.
Results: Approximately a total of 300 pregnant women were included in this study, with an average age of 26.43±3.05 years, and the majority presenting in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy (80.6%). There was a significant difference between Hb levels measured at the puskesmas (12.01±1.79 g/dL) compared to those from Prof. dr. CPL USU Hospital (10.94 ± 1.17 g/dL; P<0.05). The digital hemoglobinometer with the highest accuracy in this study was the Fora 6 Plus, with a mean difference (MD) of -0.35 (P=0.317). Additionally, Padang Bulan Puskesmas was the most accurate Hb testing location, with an MD of 0.31 (P=0.864). There was a statistically significant moderate positive correlation between Hb levels measured at the puskesmas and those from Prof. dr. CPL USU Hospital (r=0.572, P<0.05).
Conclusion: The average Hb findings at the puskesmas were relatively higher, raising concerns about the potential underdiagnosis of anemia. Therefore, standardization of Hb testing at puskesmas in Medan City is necessary. | en_US |
