Prevalence and contributing factors of anemia in pregnant women at the antenatal care setting in Addis Ababa

Abstract

Background: Anemia is a condition that affects 25% to 50% of the world population, and approximately 50% of the pregnant women. Many unwanted complications of pregnancy have been linked to anemia. The prevalence and the risk factors for anemia have not been well defined in Ethiopia. Objective: The main objective of the study is to assess the prevalence and determinants of anemia among pregnant women at the antenatal care setting. Methods: Across-sectional study of 547 healthy pregnant women receiving antenatal care service in Addis Ababa was conducted. Questionnaires to assess the different risk factors for anemia such as Socio-demographic variables, menstruation and pregnancy related variables, diet and health related variables were employed. Results of the hemoglobin level of those selected pregnant women were taken from the antenatal card and laboratory register. Epi info soft ware was used for data entry and SPSS soft ware was used for data analysis. Results: Anemia (Hemoglobin < 11g/dl) Was present in 77 (14.1%) of the pregnant women. From these 2.5% were severe anemic (Hemoglobin <7g/dl),22% moderately anemic (Hemoglobin≥7and < 9 g/dl) and 75% mild anemic(Hemoglobin≥9and< 11g/dl).Chronic disease such as TB, HIV/ AIDS were a significant risk factors for anemia OR= 4.643 95% CI (1.917-11.274) adjusted OR= 3.414 95% CI=(1.252-9.308), p value = 0.016. Chronic kidney disease was also the other significant risk factor for anemia, OR= 3.089 95% CI = (1.527-6.250) adjusted OR= 2.860 95% CI = (1.261-6.489), p-value was found to be 0.012. Conclusion and recommendation: Chronic diseases such as TB, HIV/AIDS and chronic kidney disease are main factors contributing to the anemic status of pregnant women. Treating the underlying disease is necessary, because Iron supplementation tablets alone can not elevate the Hemoglobin level in anemia caused by chronic disease. Measures to improve the intake of iron rich diet especially meat should be employed and Iron supplementation during pregnancy should be continued.