Prevalence of anaemia and its associated factors among pregnant women in South–West Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Anaemia is a public health problem especially among the pregnant women. This study was carried out to assess the prevalence of anaemia and associated factors among pregnant women in Ado-Ekiti South-West Nigeria.

Methodology: A health facility–based cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among three hundred and seventy-eight (378) pregnant women attending antenatal clinic in Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital. A pretested interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to obtain sociodemographic characteristics, obstetric and medical history. Packed cell volume (PCV) of the respondents was analysed using full blood cell counter while serum ferritin level was analysed using human ferritin enzyme immuno-assay test kit. Data were analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version (SPSS) 17.0. Chi-square test and logistic regression analysis were used to establish association between variables at 5% level of significance.

Results: The mean age of the respondent was 31.29±0.41 years. The women were in their first (16.7%) second (59.5%) and third (23.8%) trimesters. The prevalence of anaemia as judged by their PCV level was 33.4%. The prevalence of iron deficiency anaemia (serum ferritin< 12ng/ml) was 6.5%. Marital status and serum ferritin level were significant (P< 0.05) factors associated with anaemia in pregnancy. Monthly income (OR = 1.37; 95% CI) and gestational age (OR = 0.47; 95% CI) were found to be independent predictors of anaemia.

Conclusion: The study established presence of anaemia among pregnant women in the study area. Income and gestational age were predators of anaemia. Nutrition education for pregnant women should be intensified.