Anaemia among adolescent girls, pregnant and lactating women in south coastal region of Bangladesh: prevalence and associated factors

Abstract

Micronutrient deficiencies, particularly anaemia, are more likely to affect children and reproductive-aged women. Through a cross-sectional survey using multi-stage cluster-random sampling techniques, the study assessed the current anaemia status among adolescent girls, pregnant and lactating women as well as the associated factors with anaemia in this population in South-coastal Bangladesh. The average age of women was 24.0 and 15.2 years for girls. Half of the pregnant, 46% of lactating-women and 38% of adolescent-girls were assessed as anaemic. Around 20% of the respondents reported consumed more than five food groups, in last 24-hours. Risk of mild anaemia was higher among Hindu girls. Pregnant-women who washed hands after using toilet and who received 4 + ANC visits [aOR 0.35, 95% CI: 0.16–0.77, p = 0.009] had lower likelihood of having any form of anaemia. Pregnant-women who consumed > 5 food groups had less risk of anaemia (aOR: 0.14, 95% CI:0.05–0.37, p < 0.001). Second and third trimester pregnant women were more likely to be anaemic. Lactating-women who consumed > 5 food groups, who always washed hands before food preparation, received 4 + ANC visits, consumed > 90 IFA, had decreased risk of anaemia. Appropriate measures should be taken to address the substantial prevalence of anaemia among this vulnerable group.