Prevalence of Anemia and Associated Factors Among “Apparently Healthy” Urban and Rural Residents in Ethiopia: A Comparative Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background

Anemia is the most frequent micronutrient deficiency; globally it has an impact on more than 2 billion people. Different studies have indicated that the prevalence of anemia varies between rural areas and urban centers. This study focused on determining the prevalence and identifying the factors associated with anemia among “apparently healthy” urban and rural residents of Gilgel Gibe Field Research Center.

Methods and Participants

A comparative cross-sectional study was done using secondary data of Gilgel Gibe Field Research Center. Data of 1,602 (1,258 rural and 344 urban) apparently healthy adults whose hemoglobin level was available were included in the analysis. Data were analyzed by SPSS 20 and separate logistic regression models; urban and rural were fitted. Statistical significance was set at p-values < 0.05 with 95% CI.

Results

The overall prevalence of anemia was 40.9%. Anemia was higher among rural residents (46.6%) than urban residents (20.1%). In urban centers, being male (AOR = 2.15, 95% CI: [1.03, 4.50]) and illiterate (AOR = 5.76, 95% [CI: 1.27, 26.07]) were significantly associated with anemia. In rural areas, being female (AOR = 1.78, 95% CI: [1.27, 2.52]), presence of heart disease (AOR = 2.63, 95% CI: [1.09, 6.33]), central obesity (AOR = 1.83, 95% CI: [1.31, 2.57]), illiteracy (AOR = 3.62, 95% CI: [1.57, 8.35]), and primary school completion (AOR = 2.69, 95% CI: [1.08, 6.73]) were significantly associated with anemia.

Conclusion

According to the WHO classification, the overall prevalence of anemia was a severe public health problem. This study also marked urban–rural variation in anemia prevalence, indicating the need for targeting specific areas for intervention. Strengthening strategies aimed at educational empowerment and nutritional education will have a contribution to combating anemia, especially in the rural kebeles of the study area.

Keywords:

• anemia
• risk factors
• apparently healthy
• Ethiopia

Acknowledgment

We would like to express our deepest gratitude to Jimma University and GGFRC of Jimma University for granting access to data.

Abbreviations

EDHS, Ethiopian demographic and health survey; IDA, Iodine deficiency anemia; DALYs, Disability Adjusted Life Years; GGFRC, Gilgel Gibe Field Research Center; Hb, Hemoglobin; WHO, World Health Organization.

Ethics Approval

Ethical approval was obtained from the Ethical Review Board of the Institute of Health, Jimma University. Additionally, secondary data were extracted from the Gilgel Gibe Field Research Center through legal and official means. The original data were collected from participants in line with national ethical guidelines.

Data Sharing Statement

The data that support the findings of this study are available from GGFRC of Jimma but restrictions apply to the availability of these data, which were used under license for the current study, and so are not publicly available. Data are however available from the authors upon reasonable request and with permission of the GGFRC of Jimma University.

Author Contributions

The authors’ contributions were as follows: TS designed and supervised the study. TS, the principal investigator, drafted the manuscripts. TS, FT, and HJ were involved in the data extraction and analysis, and provided continuous feedback and support during this research work. All authors contributed to data analysis, drafting or revising the article, gave final approval of the version to be published, and agree to be accountable for all aspects of the work.

Disclosure

The authors report no conflicts of interest in this work.

Additional information

Funding

Funding and sponsorship was received from Jimma University.