Trends of anemia, spatiotemporal patterns, and their associated factors among pregnant mothers in Ethiopia using Ethiopian demographic and health surveys (2005, 2011, and 2016)

Abstract

Introduction: -Pregnant women in low- and middle-income countries have high rates of anemia. Anemia among pregnant women is an important factor associated with an increased risk of maternal, fetal, and neonatal mortality. Anemia in pregnancy contributes to the foremost cause of indirect maternal morbidity and mortality. Even though WHO has set a global target of achieving a 50% reduction of anemia among women of reproductive age by 2025, this isn't easy to achieve with the current trend. This study aimed to assess the direction, geographical distribution, and determinants of anemia in pregnant mothers from 2005 to 2016 using the EDHS report. Methods: -. 3350 pregnant mothers were included in the three consecutive Ethiopian Demographic and Health Surveys (2005, 2011, and 2016). The trend of anemia among pregnant women over the three surveys was shown. Determinant factors of anemia among pregnant women were identified using logistic regression, multivariate analysis, spatial autocorrelation, hotspot analysis, interpolation, and spatial scan statistics. Results: -The trend of anemia among pregnant women significantly decreased, from 30.9% in 2005 to 21.5% in 2011, and increased from 21.5% in 2011 to 29.6% in 2016. Being from a female-headed household, being from a household of the highest wealth quintile, being in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy, being a working woman, and living in the Somalia region were significant determinants of anemia among pregnant women. The spatial patterns of anemia among pregnant women were found to be non-random during the 2016 EDHS. The hotspot areas were found in Somalia, Dire Dawa, Afar, and Harari in the 2016 survey. The spatial window for these clusters was located in the entire Somali and eastern border areas of the Dire Dawa and Oromia regions. Conclusion: - Anemia during pregnancy increased from 2011 to 2016, with hotspot areas in Somali, Dire Dawa, Afar, and Harari. Programmatic interventions targeting the poorest households, and second and third-trimester pregnant, Somali regions are needed to decrease anemia.