Anemia and Associated Factors Among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Care at Madda Walabu University Goba Referral Hospital, Bale Zone, Southeast Ethiopia

Abstract

Background

Globally, anemia is a public health problem, particularly in developing countries, including Ethiopia. Pregnant women are at a higher risk for anemia and anemic pregnant women often develop complications. Early diagnosis of pregnant women for anemia saves both the life of the newborn and hers. Therefore, the present study intended to assess anemia and its associated factors among pregnant women attending at Madda Walabu University Goba referral hospital.

Methods

An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted from April 3 to May 3, 2019, among pregnant women attending Madda Walabu University Goba referral hospital. A total of 353 respondents were included in the study by using systematic random sampling techniques. Data were collected using both face-to-face interview and hemoglobin measurement. The collected data were entered into SPSS and analyzed using both bi-variable and multiple logistic regressions. Finally, statistical significance was declared at a p-value of less than 0.05 in the multiple logistic regressions.

Results

In this study, the prevalence of anemia was 46.2% (95%CI: 40.9%, 51.5%). Factors significantly associated with anemia were positive stool examination for parasites (AOR=2.9, 95%CI 1.255–6.856), lower consumption of fruits and vegetables (AOR=2.7, 95%CI 1.47–4.86), no iron supplementation (AOR=2.2, 95%CI 1.07–4.45), large family size (AOR=2.1, 95%CI 1.13–3.77), and absence of abortion history (AOR=0.4, 95%CI 0.24–0.77).

Conclusions and Recommendation

Prevalence of anemia among pregnant women was high. Pregnant women with a previous history of abortion, positive stool for parasite, lower consumption of fruits and vegetables, no iron supplementation and large family size above five were risk factors for anemia. Therefore, encouraging pregnant women to take iron supplementation and to eat fruits and vegetables are important.

Keywords:

• anemia
• pregnant women
• hemoglobin
• Ethiopia

Acknowledgment

We would like to thank the study participants, data collectors, supervisors, and Madda Walabu University Goba Referral Hospital MCH clinic staff.

Abbreviations

ANC, antenatal care; AOR, adjusted odds ratio; CI, confidence interval; COR, crude odds ratio; MCH, maternal and child health; WHO, World Health Organization.

Data Sharing Statement

The data sets of the current study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.

Ethical Approval and Consent to Participate

This study was conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki. Ethical clearance was obtained from Madda Walabu University ethical committee. Written consent was obtained from the study participants after explaining the purpose of the study and the benefits.

Author Contributions

All authors had roles in the work reported, whether that was 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

No funding was obtained for this study.