Prevalence of anemia and associated risk factors among pregnant women attending antenatal care in Azezo Health Center Gondar town, Northwest Ethiopia

Abstract

Objective: Anemia is a global public health problem affecting both developing and developed countries; approximately 1.3 billion individuals suffer from it. Pregnant women are the most vulnerable groups to anemia. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and risk factors for anemia in pregnant women attending antenatal care in Azezo Health Center, Gondar town, Northwest Ethiopia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at Azezo Health Center from February to May 2011. Red blood cell morphology, Hgb level determination and intestinal parasites were assessed following the standard procedures. Socio-demographic data was collected by using a structured questionnaire. The data entered and analyzed by using the SPSS version 16.0 statistical software. P<0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Results: Among the 384 study participants, the prevalence of anemia was 83 (21.6%). Over half (64.8%) of the pregnant women attended antenatal care in the second trimester (between 13 and 28 weeks of gestation). Majority, 373 (97.1%) of the pregnant women had normocytic normo chromic red cell morphology. The majority of anemic cases 49 % (41/83) were of the mild type (Hgb 10.0–10.9g/d1) followed by 46% cases of moderate anemia (7–9.9g/dl) and 5% severe anemia (Hgb< 7g/ dl). Pregnant women with age>34, rural residence, history of malaria attack, hookworm infection and absence of iron supplements are significantly associated with increased risk of anemia. The most prevalent intestinal parasite among pregnant women was hookworm 18 (4.7%). Conclusions: In the present study, the prevalence of anemia was low when compared with the previous studies carried out in different countries including Ethiopia. More should be done in respect to the importance of regular visit to maternal care centers and health education promotion programs to succeed more.