Two-Level Logistic Regression Analysis of Factors Influencing Anemia Among Nonpregnant Married Women of Reproductive Age in Bangladesh

Abstract

Anemia is a common and difficult health problem in Bangladesh. Study on anemia of Bangladeshi nonpregnant married women is weakly recognized. This study examined how various anthropometric, socioeconomic, and demographic factors associated with anemia of married women in Bangladesh. For this is a cross-sectional study, data was taken from Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey (BDHS)-2011. The nationally representative sample (5293 married women) was selected by multistage cluster sampling. Multilevel logistic regression analysis was used in this study. The prevalence of anemia among Bangladeshi married women is more than 41% and among anemic women, 35.5, 5.6, and 0.2% were, respectively, mildly, moderately, and severely affected. Multilevel logistic regression model demonstrated that women, who are currently breastfeeding and with amenorrhea, are more likely (p < 0.01) to get anemia than their counterparts. Underweight women have a higher chance (p < 0.01) to get anemia than normal weight, overweight, and obese. Uneducated women are more likely to get anemia (p < 0.01) than secondary and higher educated. Anemia is particularly marked among married women who have electricity at home (p < 0.01), currently use contraceptive (p < 0.05), are non-Muslim (p < 0.01) and come from highest wealth quintile family (p < 0.01). Moreover, women who are 30–49 years old are more likely to get anemia than those who are younger. Undernutrition is the most important predictor for anemia among Bangladeshi married women and undernourished women are usually living under poor condition. Government of Bangladesh should take administrative steps to improve economic condition for removing anemia among married women.