Magnitude of Anemia and Associated Factors among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Care in Nekemte Health Center, Nekemte, Ethiopia

Background: Anemia is defined as a condition in which there is less than the normal hemoglobin (HB) level in the body, which decreases oxygen-carrying capacity of red blood cells to tissues. Anemia in pregnancy also leads to premature births, low birth weight, fetal impairment and infant deaths. The aim of this study was to determine the magnitude of anemia and associated factors among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Care in Nekemte Health Center, Nekemte, Ethiopia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Care in Nekemte Health Center (NHC) between May 20, 2011 and June 25, 2011. A total of 150 pregnant women were selected continently. Blood specimen was collected and processed based on standard operating procedures where hemoglobin level was determined by Cell-Dyn1800. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data on Sociodemographic and associated risk factors. Data were entered and analyzed using SPSS version 20 software. Logistic regressions were applied to assess any association between explanatory factors and outcome variables. P values <0.05 were taken as statistically significant. Results: The total prevalence of anemia was 52%. Mild, moderate and severe anemia account for 50(64%), 17(21.8%) and 11(14.2%), respectively. Fifty three (68%) of the anemic pregnant women had normocytic normochromic RBCs. Anemia was significantly higher in pregnant women with diarrhea [AOR, 95% CI (5.6(1.7, 17.3), P<0.05] and in those with previous history of malaria [AOR, 95% CI (2.7(1.4, 9.33), P<0.05]. Conclusion: The prevalence of anemia in the study area is significantly high. Regular antenatal care follow up, adjustment of dietary and screening of parasitic infections are recommended to prevent impacts of anemia in