Factors Associated with Anemia in Pregnant Women: A Mixed Method Study

Abstract

Aims: The present study establishes the dietary habits associated with anemia in pregnant women attending ANC in IFO Refugee Camp, Dadaab. Study Design: Analytical cross-sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: The research location was at ANC clinic of IFO Refugee Camp located in Daadab Sub-County, Garissa County, Kenya. Between January 2025 and June 2025in the two dispensaries (health post 1 and health post 7). Methodology: Encompassed pregnant women aged between 18-49 years who are attending the ANC at IFO Health posts. A purposive method was deployed for the study to select 368 participants drawn from the health post 1 (228 respondents) and 7 (140 respondents). The study included consenting pregnant women aged 18–49 attending ANC or postpartum (<3 months). It excluded those refusing participation or with chronic conditions like chronic kidney disease, cancer, lupus, or bleeding disorders. Results: Out of 368 questionnaires, 361 were returned (98.1% response rate). The majority of respondents were married women aged 24–34 years with low education and income levels. The prevalence of anemia among pregnant women attending ANC in Ifo Refugee Camp was 73.4%, with 46% mild, 37% moderate, and 17% severe cases. Bivariate correlation analysis revealed significant associations between anemia and education level (r = 0.115, P < .05), ANC visits (r = 0.109, P < 0.05), and Women Dietary Diversity Score (r = –0.269, P < .001). Multivariate regression analysis showed that age (OR = 1.3; 95% CI: 1.023–1.717; P < .05) and gravidity (OR = 1.4; 95% CI: 1.079–1.927; P < .05) increased anemia risk, while higher dietary diversity reduced it significantly (OR = 0.25; 95% CI: 0.151–0.426; P < .001). Conclusion: Anemia among pregnant women in Ifo Refugee Camp is highly prevalent and significantly influenced by age, gravidity, and dietary diversity, underscoring the need for improved maternal nutrition interventions.