Abstract:
Background: -Globally anemia affects around 32.4 million (38.2%) of pregnant women. despite
Research shows the anemia is prevalent in Ethiopia and public health problem little is known on
determinants of anemia in low income countries including the study area.
Objective:-The aim of this study was to identify determinants of anemia among pregnant
women attending antenatal care unit in Dilchora referral hospital Dire Dawa, Ethiopia.
Methods: - A health care facility based unmatched case control study was conducted among 142
cases and 284 controls from February to March 2018 G.C. The sample size was determined by
using Epi Info version 7.1. Study subjects were selected using consecutive sampling technique.
Data were collected using a structured questionnaire, Mid UpperArm Circumference and
Hemocue was used hemoglobin measurement. Then the collected data were entered to Epi Data
version 3.1 computer software analyzed using STATA version 14. Descriptive statistical analysis
such as frequency distribution and cross-tabulation were used to summarize and present the data
collected. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression model was used to see the
determinants of anemia. Adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) and the
level of statistical significance was declared at p-value < 0.05p-value<0.05.
Result :-Being current smoker [(AOR= 2.73, 95% CI=(1.59,4.65)], and in first trimester
[(AOR= 5.42, 95% CI= (1.84,15.97)], and history of abortion –[(AOR = 11.51, 95%
CI=(6.72,19.74)] were found to be determinants of anemia among pregnant women .
Conclusion:-This study indicated that mothers who were in the first trimeste,have history of
abortion and current history of smoking was anemic compared to their counterparts. Therefore,
an organized effort should be made to improve maternal nutritional status, through helath
information dissemination and behavioral change education to stop smoking during pregnancy
and increase nutritional awareness during pregnancy.
