Determinants of Anemia in Pregnancy: Findings from the Ethiopian Health and Demographic Survey

Abstract

In Ethiopia, anemia during pregnancy is a major public health problem and affects both the mother’s and their child’s health. There is a scarcity of community-based evidence on determinants of anemia among pregnant women in the country. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the determinants of anemia among pregnant women in Ethiopia. Method. This study was based on the 2016 Ethiopian Demographic Health Survey (EDHS) that used a two-stage stratified cluster sampling technique. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 3080 pregnant women. Data analysis was done using STATA v.14. Variables with P value <0.05 in the bivariate analysis were candidates for the multivariable analysis to identify independent determinants of anemia among pregnant mothers. Odds ratios (OR) were calculated at 95% confidence interval (CI). Results. The overall prevalence of anemia among pregnant women was 41% of which 20% were moderately anemic, 18%, mildly anemic, and 3%, severely anemic. The following were significantly associated with anemia during pregnancy: an age of 30–39 years, receiving no education (AOR = 2.19; 95% CI 1.45, 2.49), belonging to the poorest wealth quintile (AOR = 1.29; 95% CI 1.22, 1.60), being a Muslim (AOR = 1.59; 95% CI 1.69, 2.65), number of house members being 4–6 (AOR = 1.44; 95% CI 1.05, 1.97), number of under-five children being two (AOR = 1.47; 95% CI 1.10, 1.97), head of the household being a female (AOR = 2.02; 95% CI 1.61, 2.54), current pregnancy wanted later (AOR = 1.75; 95% CI 1.23, 1.63), no terminated pregnancy (AOR = 1.49; 95% CI 1.15, 1.93), and an age of 13–17 years at the first sexual intercourse (AOR = 1.97; 95% CI 1.291, 3.00). Conclusions. The study revealed that more than one-third of the pregnant women in Ethiopia were found anemic. Its prevalence varied among regions in which the highest (62.7%) and the lowest (11.9%) were from Somali and Addis Ababa, respectively. Hence, efforts should be made by concerned bodies to intervene in terms of the identified risk factors.

Barriers to Health Workers in Iron Deficiency Anemia Prevention among Indonesian Pregnant Women

“…This condition is quite worrying, so it needs actions and research studies that can be used to overcome this problem. A study conducted by Woldegebriel et al found that the maternal age, education, family income, religion, number of family members at home, and number of children were determinant factors that contribute to anemia in pregnancy [ 9 ].…”

Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors for Anaemia Among Pregnant Women Attending Ante-Natal Clinic, Eswatini

“…However, there were contrasting reports from other African studies from Ethiopia and Nigeria, where the highest prevalence was reported among participants of the age group 30-39 years in Ethiopia and the Nigerian study reported the highest prevalence among participants in the age group of 20years and below (9,17). This might have been because of increased body weakness, multiple pregnancies, labour, and being subjected to other illnesses leading to a predisposition to anaemia as age advances (9,26). This study reported anaemia prevalence higher among women living in the urban area (27.6%) than women living in rural areas (15.5%).…”

“…High prevalence in younger ages might have been due to the lack of awareness, poor knowledge of antenatal services, and failure to seek prenatal care early and take care of themselves during pregnancy (5,17). However, there were contrasting reports from other African studies from Ethiopia and Nigeria, where the highest prevalence was reported among participants of the age group 30-39 years in Ethiopia and the Nigerian study reported the highest prevalence among participants in the age group of 20years and below (9,17). This might have been because of increased body weakness, multiple pregnancies, labour, and being subjected to other illnesses leading to a predisposition to anaemia as age advances (9,26).…”

“…Despite the broader scope of the problem, little research data has been explored about the severity of anaemia at ANC clinic in this study area; hence, there is a need to identify and treat anaemia to avoid its complications in pregnancy (1,11). Furthermore, assessing the different factors contributing to anaemia in pregnancy is essential for effective anaemia management during pregnancy and provides the information necessary for planning and policy-making (7,9). Despite its known effect on the population, the available data regarding the determinants of anaemia during pregnancy in the Kingdom of Eswatini is limited.…”

Comparative Analysis of Beet Juice and Red Guava Juice against Erythrocyte and Hematocrit Levels in Post-partum Women

“…Fe requirements increase exponentially during pregnancy to meet the increased demand for the fetoplacental unit, increase maternal erythrocyte mass and compensate for Fe loss during labor [10], [11]. A study found that maternal age, education, family income, religion, number of family members at home, and children's number were determinants that contributed to anemia [12]. Postpartum maternal anemia may be associated with shortness of breath, lethargy, infection, lactation failure, and depression [13], [14].…”