Abstract:
ntroduction: Anemia is decrease in oxygen delivery due to decrease in circulating red blood cells
(RBC) which is revealed by decrease in hemoglobin or hematocrit. Oral contraceptives have folate
reducing effect and increase the oxidative stress, which lead to reduced production or reduced
survival of red blood cells. Globally, anemia affects one-third of the world population. The
prevalence of anemia among modern contraceptives is unclear.
Objective: Therefore, this study aimed to assess the prevalence of anemia and its associated factors
among women of reproductive age who use modern contraceptive in Bale Goba town from
September 15 to November 15, 2021.
Methods A community-based comparative cross-sectional study was conducted among 202 (104
contraceptive users and 98 non-contraceptive users) reproductive-age women in Bale-Goba town.
Systematic random sampling technique was used to select study participants. Sociodemographic,
and other relevant variables were collected using structured questionnaire. Four milliliters of
venous blood were collected and added to EDTA test tube for hematological parameter analysis
by Sysmex XN-550 automated hematology analyzer and hemoglobin level was used for
determination of anemic status. The data were entered in to Epidata manager version 4.6.0.2 and
its analysis was performed using SPSS Statistical software version 21. Independent t-test was used
to determine hemoglobin mean difference and factors associated with anemia were identified using
binary and multiple logistic regression analyses.
Result: The prevalence of anemia among contraceptive users was higher than non-users (75%
versus 44.9%). There was a significant reduction in hemoglobin among contraceptive users than
non-users which was 11.10 g/dl ± 1.29 g/dl and 11.86 g/dl ± 1.47 g/dl respectively with P-value <
0.001. Type of contraceptive used were significantly associated with anemia. Accordingly,
injectable contraceptive users were 7 times (AOR = 7.10) more likely to have an anemia.
Conclusion: Modern contraceptive users had higher prevalence of anemia and lower mean
hemoglobin level than non-contraceptive users. Type of contraceptive used were an independent
predictor of anemia.
