Magnitude of Anemia and Its Associated Factors Among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Care in Southern Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Purpose

The aim of this study was to assess the magnitude of anemia and its associated factors among pregnant women attending antenatal care (ANC) at Dilla University referral Hospital, South Ethiopia.

Patients and Methods

An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted from January to February 2019, among 373 pregnant women who attended antenatal care at Dilla University referral hospital. Socio-demographic factors, nutritional, medical and obstetric information of the study participants were collected using a structured questionnaire. Hemoglobin was measured using a hemacue machine, and fecal specimens were examined to detect intestinal parasites. Bivariate and multiple variable binary logistic regressions were used to identify predictors of anemia. A p-value less than 0.05 was used to declare statistical significance.

Results

Overall prevalence of anemia was 28.7%, of which 19.6% had mild anemia. Decreased odds of anemia were found in women with good nutritional status (MUAC ≥24 cm) (AOR= 0.07 95% CI: 0.03–0.1), iron supplementation (AOR=0.06 95% CI: 0.02–0.15) and birth spacing ≥2 yrs (AOR=0.03 95% CI: 0.009–0.45). However, increased odds of anemia were seen in pregnant women with intestinal parasites (AOR=6.11 95% CI 7.70–37.0).

Conclusion

The magnitude of anemia among pregnant women was found to be a moderate public health problem. Iron supplementation, good nutritional status (MUAC> 24 cm), and birth spacing reduce the odds of anemia. But having intestinal parasites was found to increase the likelihood of anemia during pregnancy. Counseling on birth spacing, strengthening iron supplementation, and intestinal parasite management during pregnancy should be given due emphasis.

Keywords:

• pregnancy
• anemia
• Dilla
• Ethiopia
• prevalence

Acknowledgments

We would like to thank Dilla University College of Medicine and Health Sciences for giving us permission to conduct this study. We also acknowledge our data collectors and study participants.

Abbreviations

ANC, antenatal care; AOR, adjusted odds ratio; COR, crude odd ratio; DDS, dietary diversity score; EDHS, Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey; Hgb, hemoglobin; HIV, human immunodeficiency virus; MUAC, mid upper arm circumference; SNNPR, Southern Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples Region; SPSS, Statistical Package for Social Sciences; WFP, World Food Program; WHO, World Health Organization.

Data Sharing Statement

The datasets used and/or analyzed during the current study are available from the corresponding author upon request.

Ethics Approval and Consent to Participate

Ethical clearance was obtained from institutional review board of Dilla University, College of health sciences and medicine. Participants were informed about the purpose of the study, and written informed consent was obtained. Confidentiality was maintained by omitting their names on the questionnaire. We confirm this study was conducted in accordance with Declaration of Helsinki. While collecting the data, the pregnant women with Hgb <11 g/dl and women with IPIs were immediately advised to see health professionals at the ANC clinic for treatment and follow up.

Author Contributions

All authors made a significant contribution to the work reported, that is in the conception, study design, execution, acquisition of data, analysis and interpretation, or in all these areas; took part in drafting, revising or critically reviewing the article; gave final approval of the version to be published; have agreed on the journal to which the article has been submitted; 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

Dilla University funded the expenses for data collection.