Anaemia in pregnancy is a common problem in many developing countries. In Nigeria, it is responsible for 11.0% of maternal deaths. This study examined the sociodemographic factors associated with anaemia in pregnancy. Anaemia was defined as a haemoglobin (Hb) level <11 g/dl. Proportions were compared using the chi2 test. A total of 35.3% of the 374 women studied were anaemic. Anaemia was more common in primigravidae than in parous women of parity 2 - 4 (chi2 = 6.87; p = 0.0087). Low socioeconomic status, (chi2 = 24.67, p = 0.00090), short interval between pregnancies (chi2 = 20.34, p = 0.000144), booking in the third trimester (chi2 = 15.4, p = 0.00045) and recent febrile illness (chi2 = 6.80; p = 0.0091) were associated with anaemia. Women who only used haematenics were more anaemic than those who also used anti-malarial chemo-prophylaxis (chi2 = 57.32, p = 0.00001). Anaemia in pregnancy is associated with several social and demographic factors. To reduce the prevalence of anaemia women need to have a good formal education, be economically empowered and good antenatal care must be made available, accessible and affordable to all women.

Proper sex education, prevention of unwanted pregnancy, and prevention and proper treatment of sexually transmitted infections will reduce the incidence of ectopic pregnancy.

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