ANEMIA AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS AMONG NON-PREGNANT WOMEN ATTENDING OLENCHITY HOSPITAL, OROMIA REGIONAL STATE, CENTRAL ETHIOPIA

Abstract

Background: Anemia among women is the most common micronutrient disorder around the globe, particularly in Africa. In Ethiopia, this is a moderate public health problem among women of reproductive age group. However, there are limited studies conducted on the magnitude of anemia and associated factors among non-pregnant women coming for family planning, expanded program of immunization, sick baby clinic and other services provision areas, missed opportunities and absence of guidelines. Objective: To assess anemia and associated factors among non-pregnant women attending Olenchity Hospital. Methods and Materials: A facility based cross sectional study design was used to collect data from 14th February to March 24th 2018 using pretested structured questionnaire from 405 study participants. Data collection was done by trained nurses and laboratory technicians. Sample blood and stool were collected from each participant, to determine their hemoglobin level by using hematology analyzer machine while intestinal parasitic infections were assessed through microscopic stool examination. Anthropometric data were collected in addition to socioeconomic and dietary data. Data entry and analysis were done by using Epi-data version 3.02 and SPSS version 20. To assess associated factors bivariable and multivariable logistic regression method were used. P-value of < 0.05 was used as cutting points to declare statistically significant in multivariable model. Result: Overall magnitude of anemia in this study was [47.4%, 95% CI: (42.7, 52.6)], of which mild anemia accounts 34.8%, moderate anemia 11.4% and severe anemia 1.2%. Among factors associated with anemia include: women whose households was mildly food insecure [AOR=3.561, 95% CI: (1.041, 12.81)], using 3-5 sanitary pad per day during menses [AOR=1.665, 95% CI: (1.022, 2.713)], Khat Chewing [AOR=4.464, 95% CI: (1.176, 16.944)] and presence of intestinal parasitic infection [AOR=2.307, 95% CI: (1.454, 3.661)]. Conclusion: This study revealed that the magnitude of anemia among non-pregnant women was found to be severe public health problem. It is better to consider working on prevention and control strategies of anemia among non- pregnant women attending hospital.