Determinants of Anemia Among Antenatal Care Attendees in Southwest Ethiopia: A Case-Control Study

ABSTRACT Background and Aim Anemia is marked by a reduction in red blood cells or hemoglobin levels, leading to impaired oxygen transport. It presents a significant global public health issue, associated with elevated morbidity and mortality, especially among pregnant women and children. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the determinants of anemia among pregnant women attending antenatal care (ANC) at selected public health hospitals in Southwest Ethiopia. Methods A case‐control study, conducted from January 1 to February 30, 2023, included 374 pregnant women (91 with anemia and 283 without). Data were collected through interviewer‐administered structured questionnaires. SPSS Version 21 was used for data analysis, employing binary logistic regression to identify factors associated with anemia. The significance level was set at 0.05. Results After adjusting for confounding variables, the determinants of anemia among pregnant women were identified as lack of iron supplementation [AOR = 2.86, 95% CI (1.45, 3.85)], consumption of hot drinks after a meal [AOR = 1.63, 95% CI (1.03, 2.76)], history of malaria infection [AOR = 4.34, 95% CI (2.35, 7.72)], hookworm infection [AOR = 2.57, 95% CI (1.48, 4.46)], and short birth interval [AOR = 8.64, 95% CI (4.98, 17.6)]. Conclusion The main factors contributing to anemia among pregnant women include insufficient iron supplementation, consumption of hot drinks after meals, a history of malaria, hookworm infection, and short birth intervals. To reduce anemia prevalence, it is essential to ensure adequate iron supplementation, educate women on the impact of hot drinks after meals, implement malaria prevention and treatment, address hookworm infections through sanitation and deworming, and promote optimal birth spacing through family planning education.