The Effect of Fresh Moringa Leaf Consumption During Pregnancy on Maternal Hemoglobin Level in Southern Ethiopia: Multilevel Analysis of a Comparative Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Purpose Anemia, especially iron-deficiency anemia during pregnancy, significantly impacts maternal health, fetal growth, and development. Moringa leaf is an iron-rich food that can overcome anemia, but there is a lack of evidence on the association between fresh moringa leaf consumption and maternal hemoglobin level during pregnancy. The aim of this study is to test the effect of fresh moringa leaf consumption during pregnancy on maternal hemoglobin levels in southern Ethiopia. Methods A community-based comparative cross-sectional study was conducted from May to June 2022 among 230 fresh moringa leaf consumers and 230 non-consumers pregnant women. Data were collected using an interviewer-administered structured questionnaire and hemoglobin level was determined by HemoCue Hb 301. Multivariate multilevel linear regression models were fitted using Statistical Software for Data Science (STATA) version 14. Results The overall mean hemoglobin level among pregnant women was 11.76 g/dl ± 1.47 [12.06 g/dl ± 1.22 among fresh moringa leaf consumers and 11.45 g/dl ± 1.64 among non-consumers] with a significant coefficient of association (β) of 0.90 g/dl [β = 0.90 g/dl, 95% CI: 0.54, 1.27]. A number of under-five children, bleeding during the current pregnancy, male-headed household, and current antenatal care visit were the individual-level factors. Distance from the nearest health facility and urban dweller was identified as the community-level factor associated with maternal hemoglobin level during pregnancy. Conclusion This study showed that the consumption of fresh moringa leaf during pregnancy increases the level of hemoglobin. So policymakers and maternal and child health program managers need to target moringa tree scale-up and encourage fresh moringa leaf consumption during pregnancy, but its use needs additional rigorous clinical trials. In addition to this, mark the above factors in their efforts to increase maternal hemoglobin levels during pregnancy.

The Effects of Fresh Moringa Leaf Consumption During Pregnancy on Maternal Hemoglobin Level in Southern Ethiopia: Multilevel Analysis of a Comparative Cross-Sectional Study [LETTER]

“… 1 The study investigated the relationship between various variables, such as consumption of fresh Moringa leaves, place of residence, household head, number of children, bleeding during pregnancy, and ANC visits with hemoglobin levels among pregnant women in the Arba Minch Zuria and Chencha districts of the Gamo zone. 1 The prevalence of anemia during pregnancy represents a significant global health concern that poses a heightened risk of harmful outcomes for both the mother and infant. 2 Anemia affects 56% of pregnant women in developing countries, directly threatening the health of around 32 million pregnant women worldwide.…”

“… 3 This study by Derbo et al selected pregnant women aged between 20 and 26 weeks. 1 Therefore, adjustments should be made regarding other factors that could contribute to hemoglobin levels in pregnant women. The previous report explored possible factors associated with anemia in pregnancy, such as maternal medical history, dietary habits, and external exposures.…”

“…Based on the results, antenatal care was one of the factors that affected the hemoglobin level in the regression model in this study. 1 Consistent and significant evidence proves that attending Antenatal Care (ANC) sufficiently reduces the risk of anemia during the third trimester of pregnancy. 9 Future research could explore the relationship of ANC visits on the hemoglobin level in more detail, by exploring methods during each visit, or pieces of advice given during ANC visits that particularly contribute to improved dietary changes in pregnant women.…”

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We have read a paper by Derbo et al on The Effects of Fresh Moringa Leaf Consumption During Pregnancy on Maternal Hemoglobin Level in Southern Ethiopia: Multilevel Analysis of a Comparative Cross-Sectional Study. 1 The study investigated the relationship between various variables, such as consumption of fresh Moringa leaves, place of residence, household head, number of children, bleeding during pregnancy, and ANC visits with hemoglobin levels among pregnant women in the Arba Minch Zuria and Chencha districts of the Gamo zone. 1 The prevalence of anemia during pregnancy represents a significant global health concern that poses a heightened risk of harmful outcomes for both the mother and infant.

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Fresh Moringa Stenopetala leaves consumption and its determinants among pregnant women in southern Ethiopia

“…Although MS is widely cultivated in Ethiopia and has been indicated as having nutritional and health benefits for pregnant women, little is known about the level of consumption and factors affecting this during pregnancy. There are few studies on the nutritional, medicinal, and water purification properties of MS, and its effect on maternal hemoglobin levels, but there is little scientific evidence supporting MS consumption in pregnant women ( 25 , 45 ). Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the level of consumption of fresh MS leaves, and factors associated with it among pregnant women in Gamo zone, southern Ethiopia.…”