Maternal anaemia during postpartum: Preliminary findings from a cross‐sectional study in Dodoma City, Tanzania

Abstract

Abstract Aim The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and correlates of anaemia among postnatal women. Design A cross‐sectional survey was conducted from April–July, 2020, at a healthcare facility in Dodoma City. Methods Haemoglobin concentration was measured by using HemoCue Hb 201+ analyser machine. Anaemia was defined as haemoglobin concentration of <11 g/dl. Chi‐square test and logistic regression analysis were conducted to identify the correlates of anaemia. Results The overall prevalence of postpartum anaemia was found to be 21.6% (83). Correlates of anaemia were found to be multiple birth (AOR = 4.97), consumption of pulses (AOR = 2.07), normal BMI (AOR = 2.28) and perception of insufficient milk supply (AOR = 3.05). Conclusion The prevalence of postpartum anaemia found in this study is high. Iron and folic acid supplementation, promotion of dietary diversification practices and screening women higher risk for anaemia may be feasible interventions.

Keywords

• anaemia
• Dodoma city
• haemoglobin
• postnatal women
• postpartum
• Tanzania