FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH ANEMIA AMONG PREGNANT WOMEN AGED BETWEEN 15-49 YEARS ATTENDING ANTENATAL CARE SERVICE AT GIHEKE HEALTH CENTER IN RWANDA

Abstract

Abstract

Anemia, a prevalent global health and nutritional concern, affects around two billion individuals worldwide, with a significant proportion being women of reproductive age. This condition, characterized by an insufficient number of red blood cells to meet the body's physiological needs, poses severe health risks, especially among pregnant women, who are at an increased risk due to their heightened iron requirements. Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is the most common type among pregnant women, accounting for 50% of all cases and leading to various adverse outcomes such as infections, fetal growth restriction, and low birth weight. The prevalence of anemia in pregnant women varies significantly across continents, with rates ranging from 17% to 31% in Europe and North America, 44% to 53% in Southeast Asia, and 53% to 61% in Africa. In sub-Saharan Africa, including Rwanda, the prevalence of anemia among pregnant women is alarmingly high at 39%, influenced by factors such as iron and folate deficient diets, malaria, hookworm infections, and HIV. Despite efforts to improve maternal healthcare, anemia remains widespread among pregnant women in Rwanda, with the Rwanda Demographic Health Survey indicating a 25% prevalence rate. This study aims to determine the factors contributing to increased anemia among pregnant women attending Giheke Health Center in Rwanda. In this cross sectional, a sample of 174 women attending Giheke HC was employed in our study. Using SPSS (version 25.0), descriptive statistics, bivariate analysis, and multivariable binary logistic regression analysis were performed to assess the association between selected background characteristics and anemia. The backward elimination approach was then used to identify significant variables related to anemia. The results show that 13.8% of women were found to have anemia. The factors associated with anemia include unemployment, lack of education, poor antenatal care service attendance, suffering from intestinal parasites or malaria during pregnancy, consuming an unbalanced diet, and not receiving a full course of supplements. On the other hand, taking IPT (Intermittent Preventive Treatment) or receiving medication for helminths was a protective factor against anemia. These findings provide critical insights into the local factors contributing to anemia, facilitating the development of effective, targeted interventions to reduce anemia prevalence and improve maternal and child health outcomes in Rwanda.