Prevalence of anaemia and associated factors among pregnant women living in Koloji camps of Fafan Zone of Somali Region, Ethiopia, 2024.
4 affiliations
- 1Health office, Jigjiga, Somali, Ethiopia.
- 2Public Health, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia.
- 3Public Health, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia. [email protected].
- 4School of Public Health Science, College of Health Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, PO Box: 235, Harar, Ethiopia. [email protected].
Abstract
Background
Anaemia is a major global public health problem affecting pregnant women, with a prevalence of about 40-50% in Sub-Saharan Africa and significant maternal and fetal consequences. Despite interventions, it remains highly prevalent in Ethiopia with regional variation. Internally displaced pregnant women are at higher risk due to food insecurity, poor diets, and limited health services. However, evidence on anaemia in Ethiopian IDP settings is limited. Therefore, this study assessed the prevalence and associated factors of anaemia among pregnant women in Koloji IDP camp, Somali Region, Ethiopia.Methods
A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from February 1-29, 2024, among pregnant women residing in Koloji IDP camp. A total of 390 eligible pregnant women were approached, of whom 380 participated (response rate: 97.5%). Data were entered into Epi-Data version 3.1 and analyzed using STATA version 17. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with anaemia. Statistical significance was declared at p-value < 0.05.Results
A total of 380 pregnant women participated in the study. The overall prevalence of anaemia was 42.11% (95% CI: 37.2-47.1). Of the anemic pregnant women, 32.5% had mild anaemia, 51.9% had moderate anaemia, and 15.6% had severe anaemia. Factors significantly associated with anaemia included maternal educational status, gestational age, history of blood loss, meal frequency, frequent consumption of coffee/tea immediately after meals, and lack of iron-folic acid supplementation.Conclusion
Anaemia among pregnant women in Koloji IDP camp remains a severe public health concern. The findings highlight the need for strengthened maternal nutrition interventions, improved dietary counseling, and enhanced access to iron-folic acid supplementation services, particularly in humanitarian and displaced population settings.Trial registration
Not applicable. This study was not a clinical trial and therefore was not registered in a clinical trial registry.
Related
- Prevalence, severity, and associated factors of thrombocytopenia among pregnant women attending antenatal care clinic in North West Ethiopia,2024: cross-sectional study
- Prevalence, genotype distribution and associated factors of high-risk human papillomavirus among pregnant women in Eastern Ethiopia: a cross-sectional analysis nested within a population-based cohort study
- Prevalence of anaemia and Associated Factors among pregnant women attending antenatal care in a rural district of Northern Ghana: a cross-sectional study
- Prevalence of hepatitis B virus infection and associated factors among pregnant women attending antenatal care in public hospitals of the Eastern Zone of Tigray, Northern Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study
- Health-Promoting lifestyle practices and associated factors among pregnant mothers in Muhir Aklil Woreda of Central Ethiopia: a community-based cross-sectional study
BibTeX
@article{ismael2026prevalence,
title = {{Prevalence of anaemia and associated factors among pregnant women living in Koloji camps of Fafan Zone of Somali Region, Ethiopia, 2024.}},
author = {Nimo Ahmed Ismael and Merga Dheressa and Wondimye Ashenafi Cheru and Mowlid Abdi Ali},
journal = {BMC public health},
year = {2026},
month = jul,
doi = {10.1186/s12889-026-28147-w},
url = {https://europepmc.org/article/MED/42894141},
note = {CC BY-NC-ND},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Prevalence of anaemia and associated factors among pregnant women living in Koloji camps of Fafan Zone of Somali Region, Ethiopia, 2024.
AU - Nimo Ahmed Ismael
AU - Merga Dheressa
AU - Wondimye Ashenafi Cheru
AU - Mowlid Abdi Ali
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/07/01
JO - BMC public health
DO - 10.1186/s12889-026-28147-w
UR - https://europepmc.org/article/MED/42894141
AB - Background Anaemia is a major global public health problem affecting pregnant women, with a prevalence of about 40-50% in Sub-Saharan Africa and significant maternal and fetal consequences. Despite interventions, it remains highly prevalent in Ethiopia with regional variation. Internally displaced pregnant women are at higher risk due to food insecurity, poor diets, and limited health services. However, evidence on anaemia in Ethiopian IDP settings is limited. Therefore, this study assessed the prevalence and associated factors of anaemia among pregnant women in Koloji IDP camp, Somali Region, Ethiopia.Methods A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from February 1-29, 2024, among pregnant women residing in Koloji IDP camp. A total of 390 eligible pregnant women were approached, of whom 380 participated (response rate: 97.5%). Data were entered into Epi-Data version 3.1 and analyzed using STATA version 17. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with anaemia. Statistical significance was declared at p-value < 0.05.Results A total of 380 pregnant women participated in the study. The overall prevalence of anaemia was 42.11% (95% CI: 37.2-47.1). Of the anemic pregnant women, 32.5% had mild anaemia, 51.9% had moderate anaemia, and 15.6% had severe anaemia. Factors significantly associated with anaemia included maternal educational status, gestational age, history of blood loss, meal frequency, frequent consumption of coffee/tea immediately after meals, and lack of iron-folic acid supplementation.Conclusion Anaemia among pregnant women in Koloji IDP camp remains a severe public health concern. The findings highlight the need for strengthened maternal nutrition interventions, improved dietary counseling, and enhanced access to iron-folic acid supplementation services, particularly in humanitarian and displaced population settings.Trial registration Not applicable. This study was not a clinical trial and therefore was not registered in a clinical trial registry.
SN - 1471-2458
ER -