Correlates of Anemia Status Among Women of Reproductive Age in Ethiopia

Abstract

Background: Anemia is a condition characterized by a low level of hemoglobin in the blood which seriously affects young children and women (1). It is a global public health problem affecting both developing and developed countries with major consequences for human health as well as social and economic development. Objective: To identify socio-economic, demographic and health correlates of anemia status among women of reproductive age in Ethiopia. Methods: Data from the Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey conducted in 2011 was used for this study. Data of a total of 15,567 women of reproductive age were included in the analysis. The prevalence of anemia was calculated and chi-square tests, odds ratios and binary logistic regression were used to identify the relationship between anemia and each independent variable. Results: The overall prevalence of anemia in the women aged 15-49 years was 19.9 %. Total number of children born, BMI, region, educational level, wealth index, pregnancy, months of breast feeding and contraceptive use were significantly correlated with anemia. Utilizing maternity services, receiving iron tablet and drug use for intestinal parasite have a significant effect in reducing the risk of anemia. The exposure of anemia increases with gestational age among pregnant women. Recommendation: Women health intervention programs including access to maternal health care service, iron supplementation, drug use for intestinal parasite, improving mothers’ access to education and family planning practice have been strongly recommended in order to reduce the risk of anemia among women.