Abstract

Teka Senay Wolderufael*, Azeze Toru Bedacho, Meselech Meleku Chebo, Getachew Assefa Moltot and Mohammed Beketa Ali

ABSTRACT

Background: Anemia is a medical condition in which the red blood cell count or haemoglobin is less than normal. Globally, 41.8% pregnant women and close to one third of non-pregnant women (30.2%) are anaemic. Anaemia during pregnancy contributes to 20% of all maternal deaths and it increases the risks of fatal, neonatal and overall infant mortality. In Ethiopia, the prevalence of anaemia is 20-39%.for pregnant women. Methods: - A Hospital based cross-sectional study design was conducted from 1st May to 30th June 2018. Systematic random sampling method was used to select 283 pregnant women. Mothers who attended ANC during the study period was interviewed. A capillary blood sample was taken. Haemoglobin level was determined by using CBC. Data were cleaned, coded and filled into SPSS Version 21.0. Descriptive statistics were used to describe selected variables. Pearson’s chi-square test and odds ratio (OR) with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI) computed to find association between independent and dependent variables. Multivariate analysis was done to determine factors associated with anaemia during pregnancy. Results: - The finding of this study revealed that the prevalence of anaemia among the pregnant women was 37.2 %. Pregnancy on married women (AOR = 5.85; 95% CI = 2.04- 16.56; P = 0.01) than single pregnant women, Non-employed/Housewives (AOR = 3.184; 95% CI = 1.48- 6.84; P = 0.003) compared to employed pregnant women and blood loss during current pregnancy (AOR = 17.06; 95% CI = 2.099 - 139.23; P = 0.004) were found to be predictors of anaemia. Conclusion: - According to World Health Organization classification of anaemia. Pregnancy on married women, non-employment and blood loss during current pregnancy were significantly and independently associated with anaemia during pregnancy. Thus, special attention should be given to pregnant women who are non-employed and blood loss during pregnancy. Moreover, they should be educated on the importance of ANC follow up and pregnancy related problems.