Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors of Anemia among Pregnant Women inRural Part of JigJiga City, Eastern Ethiopia: A Cross Sectional Study

Background: Anemia prevalence varies by place of residence ‒ a higher proportion of women in rural areas are anemic as compared to those in urban areas. The main objective of this study was to identify and analysis the prevalence and associated risk factors of anemia among pregnant women in rural part of Jigjiga city, eastern Ethiopia. Method: Among 417 pregnant women, a cross-sectional study was done from August to December 2015. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data related to socio-demographic characteristics, medical, obstetric and dietary practices. Haemoglobin levels of pregnant women were determined by applying HemoCue photometer. Statistical analysis was conducted with SPSS-version 21. Result: Of the total respondent 63.8% were anemic. The multiple logistics regression analysis showed that gravidity (AOR=2.07; 95% CI: 1.30-2.91); mother’s age (AOR=2.4; 95% CI: 0.01-4.06); family size (AOR=2.12; 95% CI: 1.11-3.31); third trimester (AOR=2.1; 95% CI: 1.07-5.04); iron supplementation (AOR=1.30; 95% CI=1.01-4.01); mid-upper arm circumference of less than 23 (AOR=0.57; 95% CI: 0.20-0.89) and body mass index (AOR=2.03; 95% CI: 2.00-3.81) were significant predictors associated with anemia among pregnant women. Conclusion: Based on World Health Organization (WHO) in the study area anemia was a major public health problem (prevalence greater than 40%). Hence, we recommended that nutritional education and also education about risk factors of anemia should be done.