Prevalence of Anemia and Associated Factors Among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Care (ANC) in Butajira General Hospital, Southern Ethiopia

Abstract

Anemia is a condition in which the number of red blood cells or their oxygen-carrying capacity is insufficient to meet physiologic needs, which varies by age, sex, altitude, smoking, and pregnancy status. Current estimate of world health organization on the prevalence of anemia is at 41.8% among pregnant women. The highest prevalence rate (61.3%) is found among pregnant women in Africa. The present study was undertaken to determine the prevalence and associated factors of anemia among pregnant women attending antenatal care service at Butajira General Hospital. Facility based cross-sectional study was conducted from March 01 to April 30/2015 at Butajira General Hospital, Ethiopia. A total of 217 pregnant women were included in the study. Socio-demographic and medical histories of the study participants were collected using a structured interview administered questionnaire. Blood and stool specimen were collected for hematological and parasitological analysis. Data were analyzed using Statistical packages for social sciences version 20 for windows. The overall prevalence of anemia in this study was 27.6%. Rural residence (AOR=0.167, 95% CI=0.041-0.682), history of excess menstrual bleeding (AOR=0.028, 95% CI= 0.006-0.135), ANC follow up (AOR = 0.082, 95% CI: 0.018-0.370), and inter pregnancy interval less than two years (AOR = 0.133, 95% CI: 0.026-0.685) were identified as predictors of anemia. Anemia is a moderate public health problem in the study area. The present study has shown a statistically significant association between anemia and residence, ANC follow up, history of excess menstrual bleeding, and inter pregnancy interval. Therefore, there should be an emphasis on the anemia intervention programs during antenatal follow up.