Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Clinic Research Articles

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Prevalence of Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) Among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Clinic at Ile-Ife, Southwestern Nigeria

Abstract Objectives This is a prospective study that reports the prevalence of urinary tract infections (UTIs) and the bacteriological causative agents among pregnant women attending antenatal clinics at a secondary care hospital in Ile-Ife, southwestern Nigeria. In total, 335 midstream clean-catch urine samples were collected from pregnant women between April and July 2017. Methods These were cultured for the presence of bacterial pathogens. All the isolates were subjected to antibiotic sensitivity testing on Mueller Hinton agar by a modified Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion technique using CLSI guidelines. Data were analyzed using SPSS for Windows version 16 and WHONET 5. Results A total of 190 showed significant bacterial growth while 145 showed no significant bacterial growth. Bacterial agents isolated included Klebsiella spp. showing the highest occurrence of 60 (31.5%), followed by Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus with prevalences of 49 (25.7%) and 32 (16.8%), respectively. Other organisms implicated are Proteus mirabilis (20 [10.5%]), coagulase-negative staphylococci (24 [12.3%]), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa with the least prevalence (5 [2.6%]). They have a resistance to antibiotics such as amoxycillin (64%), gentamicin (52.6%), erythromycin (62.5%), ceftazidime (69%), cefotaxime (74%), and ceftriaxone (79.6%) but a high sensitivity to tetracycline (88.5%), nitrofurantoin (96.3%), and imipenem (100%), respectively. Conclusion This study indicated a high prevalence of UTIs (56.7%) in pregnant women, though most of them showed no clinical manifestation.

Knowledge And Compliance To Prenatal Exercises Among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Clinic Of University Of Benin Teaching Hospital

Knowledge And Compliance To Prenatal Exercises Among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Clinic Of University Of Benin Teaching Hospital

Seroprevalence of Cytomegalovirus Infection Among HIV-Infected and HIV-Uninfected Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Clinic in Harare, Zimbabwe.

This study aimed to investigate the seroprevalence of cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection and risk factors associated with CMV acquisition among pregnant women in Zimbabwe. In a cross-sectional study, pregnant women were recruited in late gestation, seeking antenatal care at council clinics in three high-density suburbs in Harare, Zimbabwe. Anti-CMV IgM and IgG antibodies were quantified in serum using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Antibody avidity tests were used to distinguish active infection from viral reactivation in anti-CMV IgM-positive cases. Five hundred and twenty four women were recruited: 278 HIV infected and 246 HIV uninfected. Current or active CMV infection defined as IgM positive+low avidity was detected in 4.6% (24/524), 95% confidence interval (CI): 3–6.9 in all women, 5.8% (16/278) in the HIV infected and 3.3% (8/246), 95% CI: 1.4–6.3 in the HIV uninfected. IgG seroprevalence was 99.6% (522/524), 95% CI: 98.6–99.9 in all women. Notably, the difference in the prevalence of active CMV infection between the HIV-infected and HIV-uninfected women was not statistically significant (p = 0.173). The study shows a low prevalence of primary or active CMV infection among the pregnant women, but the IgG seroprevalence suggests high previous CMV exposure. Importantly, CMV seroprevalence was not associated with the HIV status of the women, perhaps due to the ubiquitous exposure of the population to CMV.

Knowledge of Sexually Transmitted Infections amongst Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Clinics in West Coast Region of The Gambia.

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) during pregnancy remain a public health concern especially in developing countries including The Gambia. This study assessed the knowledge of STIs and its associated factors amongst pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in West Coast region of The Gambia. A descriptive cross-sectional study design was used. Two hundred and eighty pregnant women attending antenatal care in Brikama District Hospital, Brikama, and Bandung Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Bandung, who gave their consent, participated in this study. The instrument for data collection was an interviewer administered questionnaire. Data was analyzed using IBM SPSS for Windows, version 21.0. Level of significance was set at p < 0.05. All the respondents were aware of HIV/AIDS and their main source of information was from health care providers. However, most of them 263 (93.9%) had poor knowledge of STIs. Level of education (p < 0.001) and employment status (p = 0.001) had significant association with level of knowledge of STIs. This study also identified low level of education [AOR: 0.04 (95% CI: 0.01 - 0.35)], and unemployment [AOR: 21.97 (95% CI: 1.57 - 306.65)] as statistically significant predictors of low level of knowledge of STIs amongst the respondents. There is need for mass media campaigns and other public health measures aimed at increasing knowledge of STIs as this will herald effective intervention strategies towards the prevention of STIs.

Preventive Measures of Anemia in Pregnancy Among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Clinic in Ibadan, Nigeria

Preventive Measures of Anemia in Pregnancy Among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Clinic in Ibadan, Nigeria

Utilization of Provider-Initiated HIV Testing and Counseling as an Intervention for PMTCT Services Among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Clinic in a Teaching Hospital in Ethiopia.

Purpose: Little is known about acceptance of provider-initiated HIV testing and counseling (PICT) as an intervention for prevention of mother to child transmission of HIV (PMTCT) in many parts of sub-Saharan Africa including Ethiopia. This study aimed at assessing the utilization and acceptance rate of PICT as an intervention for PMTCT among pregnant women attending University of Gondar referral and teaching hospital (UoGRTH), Ethiopia.Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted on 364 pregnant women attending antenatal care clinic at UoGRTH through an interviewer-administered questionnaire. Frequencies, means, and percentages were used to report different variables. Univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used to come up with factors associated with acceptance of PICT services.Results: Out of 364 respondents, 298 330 (81.7%) of them accepted provider-initiated HIV testing and counseling. Rural residency (AOR: 364, 95% CI: 2.17–6.34), higher educational status (AOR: 3.15, 95% CI: 1.86–6.82), planning of HIV test disclosure to male partners (AOR: 7.81, 95% CI: 3.17–13.14), and a higher average monthly income (AOR: 4.01, 95% CI: 2.32–7.61) were found to be strong predictors of acceptance of provider-initiated HIV testing and counseling.Conclusions: The present study revealed a higher rate of acceptance of PICT among pregnant women. Enhancing access to and consistent use of antenatal care service among pregnant women and encouraging the active involvement of male partners are recommended to further increase the uptake of provider-initiated HIV testing and counseling.

Antimicrobial Profile and Asymptomatic Urinary Tract Infections among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Clinic in Bolgatanga Regional Hospital, Ghana

Background: Urinary tract infection (UTI) in pregnancy is associated with significant morbidity for both the mother and the baby. Proper investigation and prompt treatment are needed to prevent the serious life-threatening condition and morbidity associated with UTI in pregnant women.&#x0D; Aim: This study was designed to detect common uropathogens and their antibiotic susceptibility pattern among asymptomatic pregnant women attending antenatal care in the Bolgatanga Regional Hospital.&#x0D; Methodology: Mid-stream urine samples were collected from 200 individuals and inoculated onto cysteine lactose electrolyte deficient (CLED) agar media. Colony counts yielding bacterial growth of ≥ 105 CFU /ml was regarded as significant bacteriuria. Pure isolates of bacterial pathogens were characterized by colony morphology, Gram-stain and standard biochemical procedures. Kirby Bauer disc diffusion method was used for antimicrobial susceptibility testing of all identified isolates.&#x0D; Results: The overall prevalence of bacteria-associated asymptomatic UTI was 17.5%. Escherichia coli (42.9%) was the most isolated organism followed by Staphylococcus aureus (34.3%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (11.4%), Staphylococcus saprophyticoccus (5.7%) and Proteus mirabilis 2 (5.7%). Yeast cells and Schistosoma haematobium were also recorded in 2% of the women. Isolates showed significant sensitivity to commercially prepared antibiotic discs. However, higher level of resistance was recorded with tetracycline, nitrofurantoin and nalidixic acid.&#x0D; Conclusion: Early screening for UTI should be done for all pregnant women and those found to be infected need to be treated with appropriate antimicrobial agents to avoid complications.

Morbidity Profile of Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Clinic in Nanyuki Teaching and Referral Hospital, Kenya - A Cross Sectional Study (P11-015-19)

ObjectivesTo determine the health morbidity profile of pregnant women attending antenatal clinic in Nanyuki Teaching and Referral hospital, Kenya. MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted among pregnant women where data on maternal morbidity profile was collected. A total of 254 pregnant women attending antenatal clinic were recruited. ResultsMore than half (57.5%) of the women recruited in this study reported to be unwell in the immediate two weeks preceding the day of the interviews. The common diseases/disorders reported were heartburn (42.9%), anemia (16.9%) anorexia (15.4%), vomiting (14.2%) and constipation (11.4%) with most of them having a duration of more than 7 days. Other morbidities such as fever, abdominal pain, upper respiratory infection, diarhoea and headache were also reported. Further, out of all those who reported being sick, only 40.4% who sought medical attention. ConclusionsMorbidity among the pregnant women was notably high. Public health awareness campaigns among pregnant women on prevention, early identification and timely treatment of diseases/disorders during pregnancy should be up-scaled. Funding SourcesNone.

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Malaria among HIV Infected Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Clinics at Sokoto, Nigeria

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Malaria among HIV Infected Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Clinics at Sokoto, Nigeria

Dietary Diversity and Associated Factors among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Clinic in Shashemane, Oromia, Central Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background Maternal dietary diversity is a proxy indicator of maternal nutrient adequacy and improves health outcomes for both mothers and babies. However, little is documented on dietary diversity among pregnant mothers. Therefore, this study assessed diet diversity and associated factors among pregnant mothers attending the antenatal clinic in Shashemane, Oromia, Central Ethiopia. Methods An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted on 315 systematically selected pregnant women attending antenatal clinic of Shashemane town in April 2017. Dietary diversity was assessed using a 24 h dietary recall method, and the dietary diversity score was computed for ten food groups. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regressions were computed to identify associated factors of dietary diversity. Result In this study, only a quarter (25.4%) of pregnant mothers consumed adequate dietary diversity. Mother's tertiary (AOR 3.18; 95% CI: 1.8, 6.35) and secondary (AOR 2.13; 95% CI: 2.32, 8.72) education, household monthly income above 3500 ETB (AOR = 2.24; 95% CI: 1.47, 7.78), livestock ownership (AOR = 4.15; 95% CI: 2.07, 9.86), women who got emotional support from the husband (AOR = 3.49; 95% CI: 1.12, 8.23), and women who participated in the shooping (AOR = 2.54; 95% CI: 3.27, 9.83) were more likely to attain the adequate dietary diversity. Conclusion The study revealed that the overall consumption of adequate dietary diversity was found to be low. Developing the educational level of women, increasing household income and owning of livestock, increasing husbands' support, and improving women's participation in the shopping are recommended to improve women's adequate dietary diversity.

Oral Health Status and Treatment Needs of Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Clinics in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.

During pregnancy, the oral cavity is characterised by an acidic environment and an inflammatory response brought about by vomiting and changes in hormonal levels, respectively, thereby increasing the mother's risk of developing caries. Although evidence exists to support an association between pregnancy-associated periodontal disease and adverse pregnancy outcomes, there is a paucity of studies which focus on the caries prevalence and other oral manifestations of pregnant women. The aim of this study was to assess the oral health status and treatment needs of pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Randomly selected mothers (n=443) attending a maternal obstetrics unit participated in the study. A questionnaire elicited demographic information about the participants, while the measurement of decayed, missing, and filled indices (DMFT) determined their caries status. Oral lesions were noted if present. Descriptive statistics for independent variables described frequencies in the various categories of race, location, pregnancy stage, etc., with the association between 2 independent variables tested by chi-square. Dependent variables such as DMFT were expressed as means and standard deviations, and ANOVA was used to examine whether independent variables significantly influenced the DMFT. The mean DMFT was 7.18 (±4.22) with significant correlations observed between DMFT, D, M, and age. F scores differed significantly between races, location, and educational levels and showed a significant correlation with pregnancy stage. Pregnancy epulis was diagnosed in 38 (8.5%), oral lesions in 65 (14.7%), and tooth mobility in 26 (5.9%) mothers. Early oral health screening during pregnancy can ensure the overall well-being of both the mother and the foetus.

Hepatitis B Infection and Immunity among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Clinics in Health Centers of Mbarara Municipality, Southwestern Uganda

Introduction: Viral hepatitis B (HBV) in pregnancy is a risk for childhood transmission where the majority become chronically infected. In Uganda, HBV is not tested for during antenatal, therefore the number of infected, infectious, immune and none-immune pregnant women is unknown curtailing efforts to prevent mother to child transmission. Methods: We conducted a descriptive cross-sectional study involving 254 pregnant women from four health centers in Mbarara Municipality. HBV status was assessed using an immunochromatographic (COMBO) kit, the type of infection; based on demonstration of anti hepB core IgM (acute infection) and total core IgG antibodies (chronic infection) and infectiousness; based on the presence of HBeAg and/or a quantitative HBV viral load ≥ 20,000 IU/mL. Immunity was determined using the COMBO kit and HBsAb quantification ELISA. One was deemed immune to HBV if HBsAb titers were ≥10 mIU/mL. Results: The prevalence of HBV infection was 1.2%; 33% and 67% with acute and chronic HBV respectively. 33% were infectious based on a high viral load, none had detectable HBeAg. 14% were immune; amongst whom 72% had natural exposure and 18% after vaccination. There was insufficient immunity in 11% with a majority (75%) having acquired immunity following vaccination. Conclusion: The prevalence of HBV is low and most of those are chronically infected. HBeAg and Hepatitis B viral load should be performed when evaluating infectiousness. Further, there is a high transmission of HBV among adults and a low uptake of the HBV vaccine in Mbarara Municipality.

Seroprevalence Survey of Rubella IgG Antibodies among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Clinics in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, Nigeria

Rubella is a mild, contagious viral infection that is endemic worldwide and poses a serious threat to infants and pregnant women. It causes a spectrum of severe birth defects like congenital rubella syndrome, abortions and still birth if the infection occurs within the first trimester of pregnancy. The Seroprevalence of rubella IgG antibodies was investigated among 187 pregnant women attending Mile Four Hospital (MFH) Abakaliki, Ebonyi State. Blood specimens were collected from the subjects and sera extracted. The sera were screened for rubella virus immunoglobulin G antibody (IgG) using ELISA test Kit (Micro Immune limited, UK). The results obtained were subjected to SPSS system and Chi square test for significant difference at 95% confidence interval. Of the 187 pregnant women tested, 174(93.05 %) were positive for the rubella virus IgG. This study revealed that all the subjects who were 41 years and above tested positive 5(100.00%), whereas those who were 15 years and below 2 subjects had the prevalence rate of 50.00%. Pregnant women in their third, first and second trimesters had prevalence rates of 95.75%, (95.35%) and 86.95% accordingly. Samples tested shows that unmarried women were more infected with anti- rubella IgG of 94.44% recorded, then followed by married women with 93.79% and divorcee had 90.91%. However, widows had the least prevalence rate of 84.62%. Occupationally, women civil servants had prevalence rate of 97.56%. Educationally, pregnant women with tertiary education were more infected, rubella virus amounting to 96.61%. More infection was found among women living in rural areas with 93.59% rate, than their urban counterparts who had 92.66%. Furthermore, primigravida women were more infected (95.16%). The Sero-prevalence of rubella in this study was high and it calls for general surveillance and mass immunization of children and females of child bearing age.

Utilization and Associated Factors of Insecticide Treated Bed Net among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Clinic of Addis Zemen Hospital, North-Western Ethiopia: An Institutional Based Study.

Introduction Insecticide treated bed net (ITN) is one type of cost-effective vector control approach for the prevention of malaria. It has to be treated with insecticide and needs ongoing treatment with chemicals. Malaria infcetion during pregnancy is a amajor health problem in Ethiopia. Little is known about the utilization of ITN by pregnant women in the study area. This study was aimed to assess utilization and associated factors of insecticide-treated nets among pregnant women in Adis Zemen Hospital. Methods This hospital based cross-sectional study was conducted in Adis Zemen from May 1 to 30, 2018, among 226 pregnant mothers. After obtaining informed consent, data were collected using a pretested structured questionnaire via face to face interview. To reach the study unit, a systematic random sampling technique was used. The collected data were entered, cleaned, checked using Epi data version 3.1, and finally analyzed using SPSS version 20. Binary and multivariable logistic regressions were computed to identify significantly associated variables at 95% confidence interval. Result A total of 226 pregnant mothers attending antenatal clinics participated in making the response rate 100%. Among a total 226 subjects, 160(70.8%) of mothers had good utilization of insecticide bet net. Mothers who had an educational status of college and above were 2.8 times more likely to utilize insecticide-treated bed net than mothers who could not read and write (AOR; 2. 8: CI; 1.9, 6.5). Mothers whose age was >30 were 70% times less likely utilized insecticide-treated bed net than mothers whose age was 30 and less (AOR;.3: CI;.2,.6). Conclusion and Recommendation Utilization of insecticide-treated bed net by pregnant women is low in the study area. The participants' age, educational status, household monthly income, and husband educational status were significantly associated with utilization of insecticide-treated bed net. Different stakeholders shall give a special attention to awareness creation on advantageous of insecticide bed net.

Seroepidemiology of Hepatitis B and C Virus Infections among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Clinic in Selected Health Facilities in East Wollega Zone, West Oromia, Ethiopia.

Background Hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus infections are a public health problem worldwide. It is highly endemic in Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa. Horizontal and perinatal transmissions are thought to be the major modes of transmission in these countries. Objective. This study aimed to investigate the seroepidemiology and possible risk factors for hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus infection among pregnant women attending antenatal care clinics. Methods A cross-sectional study design was conducted from July to September 2014 among 421 pregnant women attending antenatal care services in randomly selected health facilities, East Wollega Zone, West Oromia, Ethiopia. Blood sample was collected from each woman and separated serum was tested for the presence of markers. A prestructured questionnaire was used to collect sociodemographic data and risk factors. The collected data was analyzed using SPSS 20.0 statistical software. Odds ratio and 95% confidence interval were used as measures of the strength of association. Result The overall prevalence of HBsAg was 2.4% ranging from 0.0% to 5.2%. It was the highest in Sire Health Center and the lowest/nil in others. The prevalence of HCV ranged from 6.7% to 20% with an average of 8.07% in this study area where it was highest in the Getema Health Center Antenatal Care Attendants. Only address (p=0.020) and area of the health institution (p=0.021) are significantly the associated factors for HBsAg and serostatus of HCV, respectively. Conclusion The prevalence of HBsAg carrier rate of pregnant women in the study area falls within the medium endemic prevalence and HCV prevalence was higher than HBsAg. Study participants who were from urban areas were significantly affected with HBV while study institution affects the prevalence of HCV infection so that initiating screening tests during follow up period for antenatal care services is mandatory.

Prevalence of Anemia among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Clinic at Howlwadag MCH, Mogadishu

&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; Background: Anemia in pregnancy is a common problem in most developing countries and a major cause of morbidity and mortality. In pregnancy, anemia has a significant impact on the health of the fetus as well as that of the mother. 20% of maternal deaths in Africa have been attributed to anemia. Objective: To assess the prevalence of anemia and its associated factors among pregnant women attending antenatal clinic at Cariif MCH, Holwadag District, in Mogadishu, Somalia 2018.Methodology: Facility based cross-sectional study was conducted at Cariif MCH, Holwadag District, in Mogadishu, Somalia 2018, from April to May 2018.&#x0D; Data were collected using pretested questionnaires. A total of 60 pregnant women were included in the study. Data were entered and analyzed using STATA version 20. Result: In the study the prevalence of anemia was 51.7% percent among pregnant women (31 out of 60). The study has shown that age of the pregnant women and family size were found to be significant. Pregnant women at age of 15--25 were less likely to be anemic compared to those pregnant women at the age of 26-37. Conclusion and Recommendation: In this study the prevalence of anemia is 51.7% among pregnant women. Comparing the national prevalence of anemia in pregnancy (45.5%) it is higher, needs high effort by other researchers. the Sensitization of pregnant women by health providers to encourage early ANC visit and to continue supplements of iron and foliate throughout pregnancy. the Provision of health education on anemia and importance of visits at least four times during pregnancy.&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D;

Determinants of Anemia among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Clinic in Public Health Facilities at Durame Town: Unmatched Case Control Study.

Background Anemia among pregnant women is one of the most common public health problems in developing country. World health organization (WHO) estimate shows nearly half of pregnant women were affected by anemia. High burden of anemia is observed in Africa particularly in Ethiopia. However, the factors that contribute to the occurrence of anemia were not exhaustively studied. Therefore, the aim of this study was to identify determinant factors of anemia among pregnant women in Durame Town, southern Ethiopia. Method An institutional based unmatched case control study was conducted among 111 cases and 222 controls in Durame Town from 16th February to 8th May 2017 using interviewer administered questionnaires. Controls were pregnant women whose hemoglobin level was 11 g/dl and above at their first antenatal care clinics and cases were pregnant women whose hemoglobin level was less than 11 g/dl. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression model was used to see the determinants of anemia. Adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) and p-value were used to identify the significant association. Result A total of 333 women (111 cases and 222 controls) participated in the study. The major determinant factors were parasitic infection (AOR: 3.67, 95% CI: 1.72-7.86), not taking additional diet during pregnancy (AOR: 2.49, 95% CI: 1.22-5.08), consuming tea/coffee immediately after food (AOR: 3.58, 95% CI: 1.72-7.42), not eating meat (AOR: 2.07, 95% CI: 1.03-4.15), previous heavy menstrual blood flow (AOR: 2.62, 95% CI: 1.18-5.84), and being housewife (AOR: 2.38, 95% CI: 1.02-5.57). Conclusion Parasitic infection, additional diet during pregnancy, consuming tea/coffee immediately after food, meat consumption, previous heavy menstrual blood flow, and occupational status of women were significant factors associated with anemia among pregnant women. Therefore, anemia prevention strategy should include promotion of counseling on additional diet during pregnancy, preventing parasitic infection, and increasing employment opportunities for women.

Hepatitis B Surface Antigen (Obsag) in Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Clinic at The General Hospital, Amaku, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria

This study was carried out to determine the prevalence of HBsAg among pregnant women attending antenatal clinic at General Hospital in Agba, Ekwulobia, Anambra State. Two hundred pregnant women who consented voluntarily after thorough explanation of the purpose of the study were recruited for this study. The samples were tested for the presence of antibodies using rapid Dia Spot HBsAg rapid test strip developed by Dia Spot Diagnostics, USA and ClinotechHBsAg (Clinotech diagnostics, Richmond, Canada). Analysis of the result showed that 23(11.5%) of the pregnant women had HBsAg. Statistical analysis, however, showed no significant difference between the prevalence and the age of patients, parity, trimester and type of family. The frequency of HBY carriers did not vary significantly with the Use of condoms and contraceptives. However, there was a significant frequency variation in the distribution of HBsAg between those that have previous history of transfusion, operation, circumcision and those who never had history of operation, transfusion or circumcision Therefore, the need to institute public health measures to reduce disease burden and transmission, including routine screening of all pregnant mothers for HBV infection and early passive-active immunization of babies born to HBsAg-positive mothers are advocated.

Prevalence and Factors Associated with Anemia among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Clinic at St. Paul's Hospital Millennium Medical College, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Background In pregnancy, anemia is an important factor associated with an increased risk of maternal, fetal, and neonatal mortality, poor pregnancy outcomes, and impaired cognitive development, particularly in developing countries like Ethiopia. This study aimed to assess prevalence and factors associated with anemia among pregnant women attending antenatal clinic at St. Paul's Hospital Millennium Medical College, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Method A cross-sectional health facility based study was conducted on 284 pregnant women to assess prevalence and factors associated with anemia at St. Paul's Hospital Millennium Medical College from June to August 2014. Data on sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of the study participants were collected using a pretested structured questionnaire by interview and review of medical records. About 4 ml of venous blood was collected from each subject for peripheral blood film and complete blood counts (CBC). Binary Logistic regression analysis had been used to check for association between dependent and independent variables. In all cases, P value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Result The prevalence of anemia was found to be 11.6% (95 % CI; 7.8%-14.8%). Pregnant women in the second [AOR (95% CI), 6.72 (1.17-38.45), and P=0.03] and third trimester [AOR (95% CI), 8.31 (1.24-55.45), and P=0.029] were more likely to be anemic when compared to pregnant women in their first trimester. Pregnant women who did not receive iron/folic acid supplementation [AOR (95%CI), 4.03(1.49-10.92), and P=0.01] were more likely to be anemic when compared to pregnant women who did take supplementations. Conclusion In this study the prevalence of anemia in pregnancy was low compared to the findings of others. Gestational age (trimester) and iron/folic acid supplementation were statistically associated with anemia. Therefore, iron supplementation and health education to create awareness about the importance of early booking for antenatal care are recommended to reduce anemia.