PREVALENCE OF ANEMIA AMONG PREGNANT WOMEN IN ETHIOPIA AND ITS MANAGEMENT: A REVIEW

Abstract

Anemia is a major global health problem, especially in developing countries and is a common and serious problem in pregnancy. It has serious short- and long-term consequences during pregnancy and beyond. This fundamental health issue has not still been solved but continues to exist affecting the health, quality of life and working capacity in billions of people all over the world.

The anemic condition is often worsened by the presence of other chronic diseases such as malaria, tuberculosis, HIV, and diabetes. Untreated anemia also leads to increased morbidity and mortality from these chronic conditions as well. Current knowledge indicates that iron deficiency anemia in pregnancy is a risk factor for preterm delivery and subsequent low birth weight, and possibly for inferior neonatal health. Even for women who enter pregnancy with reasonable iron stores, iron supplements improve iron status during pregnancy and for a considerable length of time postpartum, thus providing some protection against iron deficiency in the subsequent pregnancy.

This literature review focuses on the prevalence and major causes of anemia seen on a global & Ethiopian scale. Most cases of anemia are due to iron deficiency, which often work in combination with folate deficiency and/or vitamin B12 deficiency as well as with infections. More efforts should be dedicated to tackle this massive problem- we have the tools and we know the ways. Iron fortification of appropriate food items combined with iron supplements in specific population groups has proved to be efficient. Initially, the efforts should be centered on the specific risk groups for iron deficiency anemia, i.e. pregnant women.