Risk factors of anaemia amongst women of reproductive age in some rural areas of Uganda

Abstract

Micronutrient deficiencies continue to impose a substantial health, economic and social burden worldwide. Anaemia is a major public health problem affecting both the developed as well as the developing countries. It is the most common nutritional deficiency disorder in the world. This study was conducted to assess the factors associated with anaemia among women of reproductive age in rural Uganda. The study used secondary data from the 2016 Uganda Demographic and Health Survey dataset. A sample of 1579 females that were interviewed aged between 15- 49 years was used. Data were analysed using Stata 14 frequency distributions and Pearson’s Chi-square test was used for descriptive data analysis. The level of significance was set at P ≤ 0.05. The Study results show that 35% females in rural Uganda were anaemic. Anaemia was significantly associated with children ever born, wealth status, occupation and type of toilet. It was higher among women with less than seven children (80%), of poor wealth status (56%), in agricultural self-employment (43%), and those with unimproved toilets (64%). There should be collaboration between the government and other stakeholders to economically empower women to prevent their engagement in risky works including a daily labour as well as promote water, sanitation and hygiene programmes to ensure basic hygiene. In addition, extension of community outreaches and literacy awareness programmes especially to women in remote areas on the relevance of increased child/ birth spacing.