Magnitude and determinants of iron deficiency anemia among first antenatal care attending pregnant women at Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Abstract

Iron deficiency anemia during pregnancy is a major global health concern, responsible for approximately 50% of anemia cases worldwide. A prospective, institution-based, cross-sectional study was conducted from April to May 2024 among 170 first antenatal care attendees at Selam Health Centre in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Structured questionnaires were used to collect demographic and pregnancy-related data, and blood samples were taken to measure ferritin and hemoglobin levels using specific analyzers, following ethical consent. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 27, with factors associated with iron deficiency anemia assessed through multivariate logistic regression, considering a p-value below 0.05 as statistically significant. The assessment documented in this research determined that the prevalence of anemia was determined 9.4% (16/170) have a mean Hgb level <11g/dl of, with a specific focus on iron deficiency anemia, which affected 4.1%(7/170) of the participants which have a ferritin level <15µg/l. Iron-deficiency anemia was significantly associated with lower mid-upper arm circumference (AOR = 8.33, 95% CI; 1.23-56.33, P = 0.03), less meal frequency per day (AOR = 5.53, 95% CI; 1.83-36.72, P = 0.046), and dietary diversity score less than five (AOR=7.12, 95% CI; 1-50.71, P = 0.04). In conclusion, our investigation revealed a low prevalence of iron deficiency anemia. Despite this, factors such as low mid-upper arm circumference, poor dietary diversity, and reduced meal frequency were noted. We recommend educating pregnant mothers on nutrition, and conducting community-based research to further understand these factors.