Factors Associated with Anemia in Women of Reproductive Age in Ethiopia: Using Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey Data 2011

Abstract

Objectives: Asses factors associated with anemia in women of reproductive age in Ethiopia. Methods: Anemia status of 15,568 women was determined from their hemoglobin measurements. Pearson chi-square tests, bivariate and multivariable logistic regression with stepwise variable selection procedure were used to determine factors contributing towards maternal anemia. Results: Residence [AOR=2.55; 95% CI: 1.983-3.280], antenatal care [AOR=1.21; 95% CI: 1.044-1.444] and iron supplementation during pregnancy [AOR=5.66; 95% CI: 4.495, 7.138] were significantly associated with maternal anemia. Women from Somali, Afar and Diredawa regions were 3 [AOR=3.30; 95% CI: 1.489-6.182], 2.5 [AOR=2.46; 95% CI: 1.211-5.002] and 1.7 times (AOR=1.73; 95% CI: 1.387-2.146) more likely but women from SNNP region were 58% less likely to be anemic compared to women from Addis Ababa, respectively. Uneducated women were 4.4 times [AOR=4.37; 95% CI: 3.733-5.119] and those with primary education were 2.6 times (AOR=2.61; 95% CI: 2.209-3.075) more likely to be anemic compared to women with secondary education. Women with 1 - 2 years of birth interval were 43% [AOR =1.43; 95% CI: 1.154-1.771] and 3 - 4 years were 31% [AOR=1.31; 95% CI: 1.0 92-1.565] more likely to be anemic compared to those with five or more years of birth interval. Conclusions: Residence, educational level, birth interval, ANC and iron supplementation during antenatal follow up were significant contributors for maternal anemia. Interventions aimed at focused health and nutrition education, family planning and girl’s education are recommended.