Prevalence of Anemia and Associated Risk Factors among Pregnant Women in Semarang, Indonesia, during COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has caused several changes that affect overall health, including the prevalence of anemia in pregnant women. Several risk factors, including iron deficiency during pregnancy, diabetes, maternal smoking, preterm birth, low birth weight, and multiple pregnancies, can influence poor iron intake in infants. This study aims to analyze the prevalence and factors associated with anemia in pregnant women during the COVID-19 pandemic.

METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 238 pregnant women from two districts in Semarang, Indonesia. The study population was selected using a cluster sampling technique. Trained enumerators collected data through interviews using the Semi-Quantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire (SQ-FFQ) to estimate participants’ food intake and anthropometric measurements. Additionally, hemoglobin levels were measured by trained nurses during antenatal care (ANC) visits. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed using logistic regression to estimate the factors associated with anemia in pregnant women during the COVID-19 pandemic.

RESULTS: Among all participants, 14.3% (n=34) were anemic, with 32.3% and 67.6% having moderate and mild anemia, respectively. Moreover, study variables such as less compliance with ANC (antenatal care) guidelines (p = 0.020), excessive phosphorus intake (p = 0.039), inadequate zinc intake (p = 0.003), and inadequate calcium intake (p = 0.043) were associated with anemia among pregnant women.

CONCLUSION: Anemia among pregnant women in Semarang, Indonesia, is a mild public health problem. Less compliance with ANC guidelines, excessive phosphorus intake, and inadequate zinc intake are significantly associated with anemia among pregnant women during the COVID-19 pandemic.