Persistence of a high prevalence of anemia in rural areas among pregnant women in Burkina Faso. A cross‑sectional study

Abstract

Despite WHO recommendations to reduce the global prevalence of anemia among women of reproductive age by 2025, anemia remains a truly global public health problem, especially among pregnant women. The objective of our study was to examine the relationship between anemia and the place of residence in pregnant women. This cross‑sectional study was conducted in six health facilities between December 2018 and March 2019. Anemia was diagnosed using HemoCue HB 301 and a hemoglobin concentration <11 g/dl was classified as anemic. Adjusted logistic regression analysis was performed to examine relation between anemia and the place of residence in pregnant women. A total of 1027 pregnant women were included in the study. The average age of females was 25.79±6.02 years. The prevalence of anemia was 57.2% (585/1023). In logistic regression analysis adjusted for age, wealth, education and parity, women living in rural areas were more likely to be anemic compared to women living in urban areas (ORa=1.33; 95% CI [1.01‑1,74]. Rural women are more likely to be anemic. Strategies to prevent anemia among pregnant women need to be strengthened in rural areas.