Prevalence and factors associated with iron deficiency anaemia among pregnant women in the third trimester attending the antenatal clinic at Buwambo Health Centre IV.

Abstract

Introduction: There is limited data on prevalence of Iron Deficiency Anaemia and associated factors among pregnant women particularly in the third trimester in Uganda. Objectives: To determine the prevalence of Iron deficiency anaemia and associated factors among pregnant women in the third trimester attending Antenatal clinic at Buwambo Health Centre IV located in Wakiso District of Uganda Methods: A cross-sectional study design was conducted at Buwambo Health Centre IV where 244 women in their third trimester were recruited using a consecutive sampling method from July to August 2021. Data collection was done using an interviewer administered data collection tool. Blood samples were collected from each participant to measure their hemoglobin and ferritin levels. The prevalence of IDA and its associated factors was determined. Multi variable logistic regression analysis was used to estimate the predictors of IDA Results: The mean age for the 243 women was 25.43years (SD: 5.4). The prevalence of IDA among all study participants was 17.7% (43/243) with CI (13.6-23.1) based on serum ferritin <30mcg/L and hemoglobin <11g/dL. The factors independently associated with iron deficiency anemia were history/ treatment of any of the following infections (Malaria, hookworms and gastritis) in pregnancy adjusted OR 3.05 (CI:1.08-8.67) and consuming less iron rich meals per day adjusted OR 3.32 (CI:1.14-9.63) . Conclusion: Treatment of infections and health education on the need to adhere to consumption of iron rich foods should be emphasized during pregnancy.