Anemia among Women Attending Antenatal Care at the University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Referral Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia, 2017

Abstract

Background. In Ethiopia, prenatal anemia is a major public health concern affecting both the health of the woman and babies.The World Health Organization recommends to conduct repeated prevalence studies concerning prenatal anemia . However, there is no recent evidence on the magnitude of the prenatal anemia. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and the associated factors of prenatal anemia among women attending the Antenatal Care Clinic at the University of Gondar Referral Hospital. Methods. A facility-based cross-sectional quantitative study was conducted among 362 participants from June 03-July 08, 2017, at the University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia. The systematic random sampling technique was employed. Structured interviewer administered questionnaire was used. Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) screeningwas conducted.Nutritional status of the participants was assessed. Blood sample was collected by capillary tube . Intestinal parasite was examined by stool wet mount test. HIV serostatus was detected. Anemia was defined as hemoglobin concentration below 11 g/dl. The multivariable logistic regression model was employed to identify associated factors and to control the possible effects of confounders. Result.The prevalence of anemia was 22.2% (95% CI: 18.11, 27.1%).The highest odds of anemia were observed among pregnant women with family size of >five [AOR = 3 (95%CI: 1.03, 8.65)], unprotectedwater source users, [AOR = 4.09 (95% CI: 1.75, 9.55)],HIV infected [AOR = 2.94(95% CI: 1.37, 6.35)], andmultigravida women [AOR = 3.5 (95%CI: 1.35, 9.17)]. Conclusion and Recommendations. The prevalence of anemia among pregnant women attending the University of Gondar Referral Hospital was a moderate public health problem. Unprotectedwater source, large family size,Human ImmunodeficiencyVirus infection, and repeated pregnancies were factors that predicted anemia.Thus, prevention of Human Immunodeficiency Virus infection, family planning utilization, and accessing pure water are recommended.