Anemia and Associated Factors Among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Care at Madda Walabu University Goba Referral Hospital, Bale Zone, Southeast Ethiopia

Background

Anemia is a condition in which the number and size of red blood cells falls below an established cut-off value and during pregnancy anemia is defined as a hemoglobin concentration less than 11 g/dl.¹ It can be caused by poor nutrition and poor health that affect women and can cause adverse outcomes to the well being of women and their neonatesoutcome. Some of those associated problems are less exercise tolerability, puerperal infection, thromboembolic problems, postpartum hemorrhage, pregnancy induced hypertension, placenta previa, cardiac failure, low birth weight, preterm delivery, and prenatal death.² It affects not only women, people in all ages can be affected by anemia.³

Women and under-five children are mostly affected by anemia. Globally, about 1.62 billion people are affected by anemia and among these people about 56 million cases of anemia were found in pregnant women.⁴ Worldwide, deaths due to anemia were estimated to contribute to more than 115,000 maternal deaths and 591,000 prenatal deaths per year.⁵ Developing countries with poor socio-economic development suffer much more from anemia compared to the developed countries.⁶

According to the World Health Organization (WHO) report the prevalence of anemia among pregnant women is 41.8%, with the highest prevalence rate (61.3%) found among pregnant women in Africa and 52.5% among Southeast Asia. The report also revealed that, in sub-Saharan Africa the prevalence of anemia among pregnant women is estimated to be 17.2 million, which is approximately 30% of total global cases.⁷ In Ethiopia according to the Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey (EDHS) report, 17% of reproductive age women are estimated to be anemic and 22% of the pregnant women are anemic.⁸

Globally, about 50% of anemia is caused by iron deficiency.^9,10 Anemia can be caused with multiple causes that occur either by nutritional (vitamin and nutritional deficiencies) and non-nutritional (infectious). However, anemia caused by iron deficiency is one of the top ten global burden of diseases.¹¹

Pregnant women are particularly vulnerable to develop anemia and an estimated 18% and 56% of pregnant women are anemic in industrialized and developing countries.¹² Studies show that in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia anemia was primarily the result of iron deficiency and severe anemia has been associated with an increased risk of stillbirth and infant mortality.^13,14

In sub-Saharan Africa, the prevalence rate for pregnant women is 50% while that for non-pregnant women is 40%.¹⁵

Using anemia as an indicator and data collected from multiple countries, the WHO estimates that half of children and women and up to a quarter of men are iron-deficient in developing countries.¹⁶

Anemia is a public health problem for pregnant women in Ethiopia according to WHO 2005 estimation of its Member States.¹⁷ In 2006 the micro nutrient initiative (MI) of Ethiopia estimated 27.0% and 30.6% prevalence of anemia among women of reproductive age and pregnant women respectively.¹⁸ A higher proportion of pregnant women are anemic (22%) compared to women who are breastfeeding (19%) and women who are neither pregnant nor breastfeeding (15%).¹⁹ In the study area, there was no research conducted on this topic and the study was also unique as it included pregnant women from the pastoralist community. Knowing the prevalence and associated factors of anemia among pregnant women helps to work on the modifiable factors. Therefore, this study intended to assess the prevalence of anemia and associated factors among pregnant women attending at Madda Walabu University Goba referral hospital.

Methods

Study Design, Area and Period

An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted among pregnant women attending at Madda Walabu University Goba referral hospital. The study was conducted from April 3 to May 3, 2019. Madda Walabu University Goba referral hospital is located in Bale zone, Southeast Ethiopia. The hospital serves more than about 2 million people both from the zone and other nearby zones.

Source Population, Sample Size and Sampling Technique

The source population was all pregnant women attending at Madda Walabu University Goba referral hospital, MCH clinic for ANC follow-up. The sample size was computed using the general formula for a single population proportion. It was calculated by considering 36.6% prevalence of anemia among pregnant women,²⁰ 5% margin of error and 95% confidence interval (CI). Sample size was calculated by using single population proportion formulas as follows:

n = (Zα/2)²* (P)* (1-P) = (1.96)²*(0.366) *(1–0.366) =357

d² (0.05) ²

Where, n=sample size

P=estimated prevalence of anemia in the study population is 36.6%,

d²=margin of error and

Zά/2=the value of standard normal distribution corresponding to a significant level of alpha.

By considering 5% non-response rate the total sample size was 375 for the study.

Systematic sampling technique was used to select the study participants using the ANC registration book.

Data Collection Tools and Procedure

The data were collected using a pre-tested questionnaire initially prepared in English, then translated to both Afan Oromo and Amharic. The questionnaire included socio-demographic and health service utilization. Hemoglobin level and stool examination were extracted from the registration book and hemoglobin level less than 11 g/dl considered as having anemia.

Data Quality Issues

Data collectors were fluent speakers of Afan Oromo and Amharic. Training was given for data collectors and supervisors for 2 days on the objective, relevance of the study and confidentiality of information. Data collection tools were pre-tested on 5% of the study subjects out of the selected hospital.

Data Processing and Analysis

The questionnaire was checked, cleaned, coded and entered to Epidata3.0.2 and analyzed by using SPSS version 20. A bi-variable logistic regression model was primarily used to see the association of independent variables with anemia. Variables that had an association with anemia (at p-value of less than 0.25) in bi-variable logistic regression analysis were entered into the multivariable logistic regression analysis model to control the effects of confounders.

Finally, the variables that had a significant association were identified by calculating the odds ratio, while 95% confidence interval, and p-value less than 0.05 was used to declare statistical significance.

Results

Socio-Demographic Characteristics of the Study Participants

In this study, 353 study subjects participated with a response rate of 94% (353/375). Accordingly, the majority of the study participants (244; 69.1%) were found to be in the age group of 18–25, while 37 (10.5%) study participants were in the group of 26–30 years (Table 1).

Table 1 Socio-Demographic Characteristics of Study Participants on Anemia and Associated Factors Among Pregnant Women Attending at Madda Walabu University Goba Referral Hospital, Bale Zone, Southeast Ethiopia (n=353)

Prevalence of Anemia Among Pregnant Women

The study was conducted to assess prevalence and factors associated with anemia among pregnant women attending at Madda Walabu University Goba referral hospital MCH clinic for ANC follow-up. Accordingly, the prevalence of anemia among the pregnant women was 46.2% (95%CI: 40.9%, 51.5%). However, the prevalence of anemia among pregnant women with a history of abortion was 62.9% and 38.5% among pregnant women with a family size of higher than five family members.

Health Service Utilization of Pregnant Women

In this study, pregnant women who attended for ante-natal care two times and above were 328 (92.9%) and those who took iron supplementation were 285 (81%). Stool examination was done for all of them and about 302 (85.6%) of them were negative (Table 2).

Table 2 Health Service Utilization of Study Participants on Anemia and Associated Factors Among Pregnant Women Attending at Madda Walabu University Goba Referral Hospital, Bale Zone, Southeast Ethiopia (n=353)

Bi-Variable and Multivariable Logistic Regressions Analysis

Both bi-variable and multiple logistic regressions analysis were carried out. Accordingly, variables with p-value of less than 0.25 in the bi-variable logistic regressions analysis were used as candidates for multiple logistic regressions analysis. In this study, variables that were used in bi-variable logistic regressions analysis were history of abortion, stool examination, eating of fruits and vegetables, age of pregnant women, family size, and iron supplementation. However, in the multiple logistic regressions analysis, variables that were significantly associated with the dependent variable were: having no history of abortion (AOR=0.4, 95%CI 0.24–0.77), positive stool examination for parasites (AOR=2.9, 95%CI 1.26–6.86), lower consumption of fruits and vegetables (AOR=2.7, 95%CI 1.47–4.86), no use of iron supplementation (AOR=2.2, 95%CI95% 1.07–4.45), and large family size (AOR=2.1, 95%CI 1.13–3.77) (Table 3).

Table 3 Factors Associated with Anemia Among Pregnant Women Attending Madda Walabu University Goba Referral Hospital, Bale Zone, Southeast Ethiopia (n=353)

Discussion

Anemia is a public health problem among pregnant women. Globally, large numbers of pregnant women suffer from anemia and the problem is huge in developing countries including Ethiopia. Pregnant women with anemia experience different complications. Therefore, it is important to assess the prevalence and associated factors of anemia. The findings of this study are important because of the factors that were identified as being associated with anemia among pregnant women. In this study, the prevalence of anemia among pregnant women was 46.2% (40.9%, 51.5%). The finding of this study was higher compared to similar studies conducted in Shala Wereda, West Arsi (36.6%), Southern Ethiopia (23.2%), Gondar (21.6%), Tikur Anbesa specialized hospital, Health centers in Addis Ababa (10.1%), Sidama (31.6%), Adama Town (28.1%), Benchi Maji, Kefa and Sheka zones of public hospitals (19%), Tanzania (18%), Mizan Tepi University Teaching Hospital, South West Ethiopia (25.3%), Adigrat General Hospital (7.9%), Shire Town in Tigray (16.3%), Felege Hiwot Hospital (20.8%), Iran (16%), and Nigeria.^21–32 The possible reason might be due to nutritional status difference. In our study area several pregnant women came from the pastoralist community in which malnutrition was common. The other possible reason might be that, in the pastoralist community, drinking tea was a common practice during eating foods. This practice can result in them becoming anemic since drinking tea at the same time as eating a meal will inhibit the absorption of iron. However, the prevalence of the present study was lower compared to studies conducted in urban areas of Eastern Ethiopia (56.8%), Nekemte (52%), Gilgel Gibe dam area (53.9%), districts of India (84.9%), India (68.6%), Unguja Island in Tanzania (80.8%) and Bangladesh (58.9%).^21,33–36The possible reason might be due to the difference of study area. Another possible reason also might be due to some diseases which can cause anemia.

In this study, factors associated with anemia among pregnant women were positive stool examination, history of abortion, family size, lower consumption of fruit and vegetables and no iron supplementation. Accordingly, the odds of women who were positive for stool examination were about three times more likely to be anemic compared to those whose stools were negative (AOR=2.9, 95%CI 1.255–6.856). This might be due to parasites feeding on blood, resulting in the development of anemia. This finding was consistent with a study conducted in the Eastern zone of Tigray, Southern Ethiopia and Gondar town.^22,28,37

Pregnant women who did not receive iron supplementation during their pregnancy were also significantly associated with anemia. Accordingly, the odds of being anemic were about two times among pregnant women who did not receive iron during their pregnancy compared to those who did (AOR=2.2, 95%CI 1.07–4.45). This finding was comparable with similar studies conducted in St. Paul’s hospital in Addis Ababa, Gondar town, Sidama, Eastern and Southern Ethiopia.^{22,24,28,38,39} History of abortion was also significantly associated with anemia among the pregnant women. Bleeding during abortion can result in anemia. Most of the time in Ethiopia abortion is practiced traditionally and it also presents a risk to the life of women. In this study, the odds of being anemic among pregnant women with no history of abortion were about 0.4 less likely compared to the pregnant women who had a history of abortion (AOR=0.4, CI95% 0.24–0.77) and this study was consistent with a study conducted in Mizan Tepi University Teaching Hospital, Southwest Ethiopia and Adigrat General hospital.^23,32 Another factor associated with anemia among pregnant women was family size. In the study area most pregnant women attended from pastoralist community and they had large family sizes since most of them did not use family planning services. This large family size can mean food insecurity for many families. Accordingly, the odds of developing anemia among pregnant women with a large family size were about two times more likely to be anemic compared to pregnant women who had a smaller family size (AOR=2.1, 95%CI 1.132–3.77). This study was also consistent with a study conducted in Bangladesh.²¹ Eating fruits and vegetables less than one day per week was also significantly associated with anemia among pregnant women. The odds of being anemic among pregnant women who eat fruits and vegetables on less than 1 day per week were about three times compared to their counterparts.

Conclusion

In this study, the prevalence of anemia among pregnant women was high. Factors which were significantly associated with anemia were having a large family size, being positive for stool examination for parasites, not taking iron supplementation and rarely eating fruits and vegetables. Accordingly, encouraging pregnant women to take iron supplementation and eating fruits and vegetables are important.

Strength and Limitation of the Study

The strengths of this study were use of a large sample size and inclusion of an understudied population in the study. However, its limitations were the cross-sectional nature of the study and dietary diversity and anthropometric measurement such as MUAC were not assessed.