Anemia among pregnant women in internally displaced camps in Mogadishu, Somalia: a cross-sectional study on prevalence, severity and associated risk factors

Abstract

Background Anemia in pregnancy is a serious global public health problem in most developing countries and a major cause of maternal morbidity and mortality. Somalia which already had very high maternal mortality ratio of 829 per 100,000 live births, pregnant women in internally displaced camps (IDPs) remain at most exposed. The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence, severity and associated risk factors of anemia among pregnant women in internally displaced camps in Mogadishu, Somalia. Methods A community based cross-sectional study was conducted among 383 households in the most IDP settled districts in Mogadishu. Every pregnant mother in these sampled households who was voluntarily consented was targeted. A sample of blood was also taken by pricking the fingertip and inserted into hemoglobin meter. Those with Hb < 11 g/dl from hemoglobin meter had been taken another sample of 3 cc blood and put into EDTA tube for CBC analysis to identify the type of anemia. Data on risk factors were collected using structured pretested questionnaire via an interview. Collected data was coded and entered in SPSS- Version 22 for analysis. Descriptive analysis, bivariate chi-square and multivariate logistic regression were done. Results The overall prevalence of anemia among study participants was 44.4% (95%CI: 39.5-49.3%), where severe and moderate anemia were 11.8 and 47.0% respectively. In addition all anaemic cases were microcytic hypochromic anemia. Young maternal age, low Family income, fewer/zero parity, being at third or second trimesters, lack of ANC attendance during pregnancy, lack of iron supplementation during pregnancy, taking tea immediately after meal during pregnancy, lower/zero frequency of daily meat and vegetables consumption during pregnancy were associated risk factors of anemia. Conclusion The anemia prevalence from this study was severe public health problem. Several factors were found to be associated with anemia during pregnancy. Measures has to be taken to curb the problem by including them mass iron supplementation and health education towards identified risk factors.

Demographic Characteristics and Risk Factors Affecting the Development of Postpartum Acute Kidney Injury in Somalia: Single-Center Experience

“…In a study conducted in one of Mogadishu's internally displaced camps, the prevalence of anemia in pregnant patients was 44.4% and more than 50% of these participants never visited antenatal care. 20 In our study, the maternal mortality rate was 12.7%, which is similar to a previous study conducted in Ethiopia 14 and almost another report from Pakistan that observed a maternal mortality rate of 15%. 19 Using ANC package on a timely and frequent basis allows the delivery of essential services such as identification and management obstetric complications such as preeclampsia, tetanus toxoid immunization, intermittent preventive treatment for malaria during pregnancy (IPTp), and identification and management of infections such as HIV, syphilis, and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).…”

“…In a study conducted in one of Mogadishu’s internally displaced camps, the prevalence of anemia in pregnant patients was 44.4% and more than 50% of these participants never visited antenatal care. 20 …”

Prevalence of anemia among pregnant women in their first antenatal care visit in Erbil City: A cross sectional study

“…This is relatively agreed with those of Nigerian and Kenyan studies related to second and third trimester. [1,6]. While the Malaysian study disagreed with this study regarding first trimester (65.4%) and second trimester (45.0%).…”

“…In this study anemia among pregnant women in their first antenatal care visit is 56.9%, which is corresponding to some other studies of anemia prevalence done in Erbil city (55.5%) in 2013 [15], in Jordan accounts (56.7%) in 2012, [20], in Malaysia was (57.4%) in 2012 [19]. Anemic prevalence in pregnant reported in Nigeria (40.4%) in 2007 [1], while was lower in Kenya (36.2%) in 2012 [6]. The prevalence of anemia in pregnancy is low USA and Europe, were it accounts (24.1% and 25.1%) in 2003.…”

“…The above changes leads to more iron demand for compensation of increased blood volume and fetoplacental growth. [6]. Iron store before pregnancy is very important, any woman started pregnancy with low store of iron will show anemia in pregnancy and postpartum.So, pre pregnant supplement is better for the mother and new born child.…”