Factors Related to Anemia among Pregnant Women in Bangladesh
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.46610/JMWHGN.2024.v06i03.005Keywords:
Anemia, Hemoglobin Status, Health, Pregnant Women, WellbeingAbstract
Background: Anemia, resulting from a significant reduction in hemoglobin due to inadequate red blood cell maturation, is recognized as a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among pregnant women universally. In Bangladesh, the prevalence of anemia in pregnancy was estimated at 58.9%. Pregnancy anemia and its side effects can be avoided and treated if these are diagnosed early. Objective: This study aimed to assess the prevalence of anemia and the factors associated with it among pregnant women in Bangladesh Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study. 385 antenatal mothers attending the Ante Natal Checkup (ANC) corner at Chattogram Medical College Hospital in Chattogram for regular checkups participated in this study conveniently. The study was carried out from December 2021 to April 2022. Data was collected through in-person interviews using a standardized questionnaire. The data analysis incorporated both descriptive and inferential statistical techniques. Results: The result showed that the prevalence of anemia among pregnant women was estimated at 44.9%. The findings also explored that women's hemoglobin status was significantly related to educational attainment (F=3.20, p=.04), family type (t=2.59, p=.01), gestational age (F=4.58, p=.01), animal protein intake (F=39, p=.018), vitamin C intake (F=5.29, p=.000), tea and coffee consumption (F=6.41, p =.002), doctor nurse counseling (t=4.02, p=.019), washing hands (t=36, p=000), nutrition (t=2.84, p=005), supplementation (t=3.70, p=.000) and family planning (t= 2.40, p=.017). In Binary logistic regression analysis, consumption of animal protein (B=.576, p=.028) and tea coffee consumption (B= -2.050, p=.000) were significant predictors for developing anemia among pregnant women. These predictors explain about 16.4% of variance during pregnancy anemia. Conclusion: Anemia is significantly prevalent among pregnant women. Educational attainment, family type, gestational age, animal protein intake, tea and coffee consumption, nutrition, and family planning were identified as factors related to pregnancy anemia. This is why the policy should be implemented to improve the hemoglobin status of pregnant women in Bangladesh.