Anemia and its Determinant Factors among Pregnant Women in Ebantu District, East Wollega Zone, Ethiopia
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Date
2013-08
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Addis Abeba University
Abstract
Background: Anemia affects almost two-thirds of pregnant women in developing countries and
contributes to maternal morbidity and mortality and to low birth weight. Anemia during pregnancy is
associated with negative maternal and neonatal outcomes. However, there is limited data regarding
prevalence of anemia and its determinant factors during pregnancy in western Ethiopia.
Objective: To determine the prevalence of anemia and its determinants among pregnant women in
Ebantu District, East Wollega zone, Ethiopia
Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out among pregnant women. A total of 625 pregnant
women were screened for hemoglobin level. The test was determined using hemocue screening
technique. Weight and height was measured & other determinants of anemia during pregnancy were
also assessed using a structured questionnaire.
Results: The prevalence of anemia as defined by the World Health Organization as hemoglobin level
<11.0 g/dl was 35.5% with 95%CI (32.0%, 39.2%). From this, 23.7% had mild anemia and 11.9% had
moderate and none with severe anemia. Multivariate analysis showed that birth spaces less than or
equal to two years AOR (95%CI):1.5(1.1, 2.9), a history of abortion AOR (95%CI): 2.4(1.6, 3.6),
having two or more abortions AOR (95%CI) 2.6(1.3, 6.2), illiteracy with COR (95%CI):2.974(1.5,
5.6) and AOR: 5.92(1.8, 18.9) were significantly associated with anemia in pregnancy.
Conclusions: A higher percentage of pregnant women have mild to moderate anemia. The major
determinants of anemia in pregnancy are illiteracy, short birth spaces less than or equal to two , history
of abortion and lack of Iron supplementation while pregnant.
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Keywords
Anemia, Pregnant Women