Determinants Of Anemia Among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Care At Public Health Facilities In Gambella Town, Gambella, Southwest Ethiopia, 2025.

Abstract

Background: Anemia during pregnancy is a major public health problem with serious consequences for both mothers and their newborns. Despite the availability of antenatal care (ANC) services in Ethiopia, the burden of anemia remains high, and its determinants vary across settings. However, evidence on factors contributing to anemia among pregnant women in Gambella town is limited. Objective: To identify the determinants of anemia among pregnant women attending antenatal care at public health facilities in Gambella Town, 2025. Methods: An institution-based unmatched case–control study was conducted from May to July 2025 among 250 pregnant women (125 cases and 125 controls) attending ANC at public health facilities of Gambella Town. The cases were pregnant women with hemoglobin concentration <11 g/dl, and controls were those with hemoglobin ≥11 g/dl. Data were collected using interviewer-administered questionnaires and laboratory measurements. Data were entered into Epi Info 7.2.2.6 and analyzed using SPSS version 27. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed, and Adjusted Odds Ratios (AOR) with 95% Confidence Intervals (CI) were used to identify determinants of anemia. Statistical significance was declared at p < 0.05. Results: A total of 250 pregnant women participated with a 100% response rate. Key factors associated with anemia among pregnant women included rural residence (AOR = 3.65, 3.65, 95% CI: 1.03–12.9), no formal education (AOR = AOR = 3.78 95% CI: (1.72,8.33), history of blood loss during pregnancy (AOR =4.6 95% CI: 1.16,18.04), history of malaria (AOR = 4.0495% CI: 1.66–9.87), chronic disease (AOR = 5.82 95% CI: 1.81,18.74), and low (AOR = 7.10, 95% CI: 1.31–38.6) or medium (AOR = 2.52,95% CI: 1.17–5.41) dietary diversity. Conclusion and recommendation: Anemia among pregnant women in Gambella town was significantly associated with rural residence, illiteracy, history of blood loss, malaria infection, chronic diseases, and poor dietary diversity. Strengthening health education, improving dietary practices, preventing and treating malaria and chronic illnesses, and promoting maternal education should be prioritized to reduce the burden of anemia in this population.