Knowledge and Practice of Anemia Prevention Strategies in Pregnancy Among Women Attending Antenatal Care in Northeast Ethiopia, 2024: A Cross‐Sectional Study

Abstract

Background Anemia during pregnancy is considered one of the main risk factors contributing to 20%–40% of maternal mortality. Most causes of anemia in pregnancy are preventable. However, data on women’s knowledge and practices regarding comprehensive strategies necessary for anemia prevention during pregnancy are limited in Ethiopia, particularly in the study area. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the knowledge and practice of anemia prevention strategies during pregnancy in South Wollo Zone, Northeastern Ethiopia. Methods A hospital‐based cross‐sectional study design was employed from November 1 to December 10, 2024, among 420 pregnant women. A systematic sampling technique was used to select the study participants. Data were analyzed using SPSS Version 25. Descriptive statistics and generalized estimating equations with a binary logistic model were performed to assess the net effects of predictors while controlling for confounders and computing cluster‐robust standard errors. Statistical differences were considered at p ‐value < 0.05, and the strength of association was assessed by odds ratio and respective cluster‐robust 95% confidence intervals. Result The study showed that 52.1% of pregnant women had good knowledge of anemia prevention strategies and 53.1% demonstrated good practice. Good knowledge was significantly associated with higher maternal education (AOR = 2.04, 95% CI: 1.11, 3.76), higher partner education (AOR = 3.19, 95% CI: 2.24, 4.57), and intended pregnancy (AOR = 3.78, 95% CI: 1. 41, 10.21). Good practice was significantly associated with urban residence (AOR = 2.98, 95% CI: 1.59, 5.63), higher maternal education (AOR = 2.17, 95% CI: 1. 19, 3.96), previous history of anemia (AOR = 3.20, 95% CI: 1.33, 7.72), and good knowledge (AOR = 2.01, 95% CI: 1. 32, 3.06). Conclusion Just over half of the pregnant women in South Wollo Zone had good knowledge and practice regarding anemia prevention, leaving substantial, critical gaps in dietary habits, deworming, and bed net utilization. Therefore, healthcare providers and program managers should focus on reaching rural and less‐educated women with targeted antenatal education, while expanding preconception family planning services to reduce unintended pregnancies.