Prevalence and Associated Factors of Anemia among Pregnant Women Receiving Antenatal Care at Kassala New Hospital, Eastern Sudan-2020

Abstract

This cross-sectional study, conducted at Kassala New Hospital, Eastern Sudan, from September to October 2020, investigated the prevalence and determinants of anemia among 200 systematically selected pregnant women. The prevalence of anemia (Hb < 11 g/dL) was 49.5%, comprising 26% mild, 23% moderate, and 0.5% severe cases. Statistical analysis revealed anemia was significantly associated with lower educational attainment (ρ = -0.29) and reduced family income (ρ = -0.18). Key modifiable risk factors included non-use of iron supplements (χ²=15.8, p<0.001), infrequent consumption of fish (χ²=10.3, p=0.001) and eggs (χ²=8.9, p=0.003), and a history of malaria during pregnancy (χ²=5.0, p=0.025). Prevalence also positively correlated with advancing gestational age (ρ=0.41, p<0.001). The study concludes that anemia represents a severe public health problem in this setting, driven by socioeconomic disadvantage, limited education, suboptimal dietary practices, and malaria. A multi-sectoral intervention strategy is recommended, emphasizing female education, strengthened antenatal iron supplementation and nutrition counseling, intensified malaria prevention, and promotion of early antenatal care attendance.