Magnitude of postpartum anemia and associated factors among women Attending Immunization Program in Wolkite town health facilities, Gurage zone, Ethiopia 2023

Abstract

Introduction: -Anemia is one of the major public health problems affecting nearly one third of the global population. Its highest health impact is among pregnant and postpartum women. However postpartum anemia has received very little attention, even though the issue of anemia during pregnancy has received significant attention. The consequences of postpartum anemia are reduced milk production, sadness, impaired cognitive and motor development, exhaustion, lightheadedness, and lethargy. Globally, postpartum anemia contributes to 20% of maternal death. Objectives: -This study aims to assess the magnitude of postpartum anemia and associated factors among women Attending Immunization Program at Wolkite Town Health Facility, Gurage zone, Ethiopia, July 2023.Methods: -An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted from June 20 toJuly 30, 2023.A total of 386 postpartum mothers attending immunization were selected by systematic random sampling. The data was collected through an interviewer administered questionnaire and hemoglobin level was measured using a hematology Analyzer. Data is entered into Epi data software and exported to SPSS version 21 for analysis. Binary logistic regression was applied to assess associated factors and variables with a P-value less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Result: The magnitude of postpartum anemia was 22.9% (95% CI;(18.6-26)). Birth interval less than 24 months (AOR: 2.133,95%CI(1.172-3.883)), less than minimum dietary diversity (AOR:=2.626, 95% CI:(1.427-4.882))and grand multiparity (AOR =0.211,95% CI:(0.063-0.712)) were associated with postpartum anemia.Conclusion and recommendation: The magnitude of post-partum anemia in this study was 22.9%.This suggests it is a moderate public health problem. There fore , focusing on counseling and educating mother about birth spacing, limiting parity, and taking diversified diet would help to decrease anemia among postpartum women