Prevalence of anemia and its association with nutritional, reproductive health, and antenatal care factors among pregnant women in a peri-urban health facility in Kenya

Abstract

Background: Anemia in pregnancy, defined by WHO as hemoglobin below 11 gm/dl, is a major public health concern, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. In Kenya, its prevalence stands at 67%, contributing to poor maternal and neonatal outcomes. In Kajiado County, food insecurity and low ANC uptake persist, yet the exact burden and associated maternal factors remain poorly documented. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at Ngong Sub-County Hospital, Kajiado County, among pregnant women aged 16-35 attending ANC clinics. Sample size of 108 was calculated using Cochran’s formula, and participants were recruited through consecutive sampling. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and analyzed using SPSS 21.0. Descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests were used, with significance set at p<0.05 and the data was presented in tables and pie charts. Results: The study revealed that 5% of the women were anemic ( 1.9% mild and 2.8% moderate cases). No severe anemia was recorded. Significant associations were found between anemia and pregnancy trimester (p=0.013) and IFAS compliance (p=0.000). Conclusions: The study found a low prevalence of anemia (5%), with pregnancy trimester and compliance with iron and folic acid supplementation significantly associated with anemia (p=0.013 and p=0.000 respectively). It recommends targeted antenatal programs to enhance awareness and adherence to IFAS, especially in early and late pregnancy, along with strengthened nutritional counselling, routine anemia screening, and timely interventions for improved maternal health outcomes.