Abstract:
Background: Anemia is a worldwide public health problem that affects over 800 million
reproductive age women. In developing countries, postpartum anemia is a major cause of
maternal morbidity and mortality. From total maternal deaths occurring each year on a global
scale in association with delivery, 20% are caused by peripartum hemorrhage and anemia. In
Ethiopia postpartum anemia was a public health problem.
Objective: To assess the magnitude of immediate postpartum anemia and associated factors
among postpartum mothers who delivered at public Hospitals of North Shoa Zone, Oromia
regional state, Ethiopia, 2022.
Methods: A facility based cross-sectional study was conducted among 341 postpartum mothers
at three public Hospitals of North Shoa Zone from August 25 to October 26, 2022. A systematic
random sampling method was used to select study participants. Pretested and structured
interviewer administered questionnaires were used to collect the data. About 2ml of blood was
collected and Hemoglobin concentration was determined by using automated blood analyzer.
The data were collected by kobocollect software and exported to statistical package for social
sciences version 20 for analysis. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression was done to see
the association between variables. Statistical significance was declared at p-value of <0.05 and
adjusted odd ratio with 95% confidence interval was used to see the strength of association.
Results: The magnitude of immediate postpartum anemia was 28.4% [95% CI (23.5, 33.3)].
Postpartum hemorrhage [AOR: 4.95; 95% CI; (2.09, 11.76)], history of abortion [AOR; 4.01;
95% CI; (1.93, 8.35)], rural residence [AOR: 3.03; 95% CI; (1.49, 6.16)], poor adherence to iron
and folic acid [AOR: 2.66; 95% CI; (1.27, 5.58)], and MUAC<23cm [AOR: 2.19; 95% CI; (1.08,
4.42)] were factors significantly associated with immediate postpartum anemia.
Conclusion: The magnitude of immediate postpartum anemia was a moderate public health
problem. Postpartum hemorrhage, history of abortion, rural residence, poor adherence to iron and
folic acid and mid-upper arm circumference <23cm were factors associated with immediate
postpartum anemia. Therefore, strategies should be put in place to encourage early identification
and taking preventive action of risk factors of immediate postpartum anemia.
