Prevalence of Iron Deficiency Anemia and Associated Factors among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Care Follow up at Dodola General Hospital West Arsi Zone Oromia Region South East Ethiopia

Abstract

Background: Anemia is defined as reduction in red cell mass which, will decreases oxygen-carrying capacity of red blood cells to tissues that can be determined in the laboratory by reduction in haemoglobin concentration (haemoglobin level of less than 11 gm/dl) or haematocrit value is less than 33%. Anemia in pregnant women is often caused by iron deficiency, which is the most common nutrient deficiency in the world, affecting more than two billion people globally. Inadequate intake or absorption of iron conjunction with blood loss during pregnancy may contribute to anemia. Iron deficiency and consequent anemia during pregnancy could be associated with severe complication like increase risks of maternal mortality and morbidity, premature delivery and low birth weight. In pregnant women, an adequate iron status is important to ensure a complication related to pregnancy as well as a normal development of the embryo, foetus and maturity of the new born child. Objectives: To assess the prevalence of iron deficiency anemia and associated factors among pregnant women attending Antenatal care (ANC) follow up at Dodola General Hospital, West Arsi zone, Oromia Region, south East Ethiopia 2018 G.C. Methods: An institutional based cross-sectional study was conducted from February 5 to March 30, 2018 G.C. Systematic random sampling technique was employed to select each participant. Data was checked, coded and analyzed by using SPSS version 20 Software, Odds ratio with corresponding 95% confidence interval was used to determine the association between independent and dependent variables. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the independent factors associated with iron deficiency anemia in these pregnant women and finally presented by tables and chart. Results: The prevalence of iron deficiency anemia was 19.3%. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that pregnant women who had monthly income less than or equal to one thousand birr, Antenatal care visit one times, History of vaginal bleeding, Women who ate only injera with shiro and women who drunks caffeine containing drinks with food during their pregnancy were factors significantly associated with iron deficiency anemia. Conclusion and Recommendations: The prevalence of iron deficiency anemia among pregnant women in this study was relatively low. The hospitals should give special attention for pregnant women to attend Ante natal care and health professionals should advice the pregnant women on nutrition as well as effects of taking caffeine containing drinks during their pregnancy.