<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><!DOCTYPE article  PUBLIC "-//NLM//DTD Journal Publishing DTD v3.0 20080202//EN" "http://dtd.nlm.nih.gov/publishing/3.0/journalpublishing3.dtd"><article xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" dtd-version="3.0" xml:lang="en" article-type="research article"><front><journal-meta><journal-id journal-id-type="publisher-id">FNS</journal-id><journal-title-group><journal-title>Food and Nutrition Sciences</journal-title></journal-title-group><issn pub-type="epub">2157-944X</issn><publisher><publisher-name>Scientific Research Publishing</publisher-name></publisher></journal-meta><article-meta><article-id pub-id-type="doi">10.4236/fns.2019.109076</article-id><article-id pub-id-type="publisher-id">FNS-94846</article-id><article-categories><subj-group subj-group-type="heading"><subject>Articles</subject></subj-group><subj-group subj-group-type="Discipline-v2"><subject>Biomedical&amp;Life Sciences</subject></subj-group></article-categories><title-group><article-title>
 
 
  Prevalence and Associated Factors of Anemia among Pregnant Women Receiving Antenatal Care (ANC) at Fatima Hospital in Jashore, Bangladesh: A Cross-Sectional Study
 
</article-title></title-group><contrib-group><contrib contrib-type="author" xlink:type="simple"><name name-style="western"><surname>Suzon</surname><given-names>Ahmed</given-names></name><xref ref-type="aff" rid="aff1"><sup>1</sup></xref></contrib><contrib contrib-type="author" xlink:type="simple"><name name-style="western"><surname>Md.</surname><given-names>Abdullah Al Mamun</given-names></name><xref ref-type="aff" rid="aff1"><sup>1</sup></xref></contrib><contrib contrib-type="author" xlink:type="simple"><name name-style="western"><surname>Niaz</surname><given-names>Mahmud</given-names></name><xref ref-type="aff" rid="aff1"><sup>1</sup></xref><xref ref-type="corresp" rid="cor1"><sup>*</sup></xref></contrib><contrib contrib-type="author" xlink:type="simple"><name name-style="western"><surname>Nisat</surname><given-names>Farzana</given-names></name><xref ref-type="aff" rid="aff1"><sup>1</sup></xref></contrib><contrib contrib-type="author" xlink:type="simple"><name name-style="western"><surname>Mosammat</surname><given-names>Sadia Akther Sathi</given-names></name><xref ref-type="aff" rid="aff1"><sup>1</sup></xref></contrib><contrib contrib-type="author" xlink:type="simple"><name name-style="western"><surname>Biplob</surname><given-names>Kumar Biswas</given-names></name><xref ref-type="aff" rid="aff1"><sup>1</sup></xref></contrib><contrib contrib-type="author" xlink:type="simple"><name name-style="western"><surname>Amit</surname><given-names>Datta</given-names></name><xref ref-type="aff" rid="aff1"><sup>1</sup></xref></contrib><contrib contrib-type="author" xlink:type="simple"><name name-style="western"><surname>Tanvir</surname><given-names>Ahmad</given-names></name><xref ref-type="aff" rid="aff1"><sup>1</sup></xref></contrib></contrib-group><aff id="aff1"><addr-line>Department of Nutrition and Food Technology, Faculty of Applied Science and Technology, Jashore University of Science and Technology, Jashore, Bangladesh</addr-line></aff><pub-date pub-type="epub"><day>03</day><month>09</month><year>2019</year></pub-date><volume>10</volume><issue>09</issue><fpage>1056</fpage><lpage>1071</lpage><history><date date-type="received"><day>7,</day>	<month>August</month>	<year>2019</year></date><date date-type="rev-recd"><day>2,</day>	<month>September</month>	<year>2019</year>	</date><date date-type="accepted"><day>5,</day>	<month>September</month>	<year>2019</year></date></history><permissions><copyright-statement>&#169; Copyright  2014 by authors and Scientific Research Publishing Inc. </copyright-statement><copyright-year>2014</copyright-year><license><license-p>This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution International License (CC BY). http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/</license-p></license></permissions><abstract><p>
 
 
  Since anemia is one of the most skyrocketed public health problems worldwide
  ,
   an investigation has thus been conducted to assess the prevalence and associated factors of anemia among the pregnant women receiving antenatal care (ANC) at Fatima Hospital in Jashore, Bangladesh. Facility-based cross-sectional study was carried out among 384 pregnant women at Fatima hospital, Bangladesh from February to April, 2019. Data were obtained using a structured questionnaire and participant’s current medical record card. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with anemia and a P-value &lt; 0.05 was considered as statistically significance. The overall prevalence of anemia among pregnant women was 58.9% (226/384). Out of 226 anemic pregnant mothers, 36.3% (82/226) were mildly anemic, 62.4% (141/226) were moderately anemic and 1.3% (3/384) was severely anemic. Binary logistic regression analysis revealed that the following variables were significantly associated with anemia: Monthly family income (11,000 - 20,000 Taka) [AOR (95% CI) = 0.45 (0.21 - 0.98)], Family size (joint) [AOR (95% CI) = 1.59 (1.03 - 2.45)], Gestational age (third trimester) [AOR (95% CI) = 2.18 (1.40 - 3.40)], birth spacing &lt; 2 years [AOR (95% CI) = 2.87 (1.51 - 5.44)], Excessive blood loss during previous surgery (Yes) [AOR (95% CI) = 2.08 (1.14 - 4.17)], Food group eaten 24 hours (1 - 4 groups) [AOR (95% CI) = 3.43 (1.84 - 6.39)], Breakfast regularly (No) [AOR (95% CI) = 3.64 (1.36 - 9.75)]. The results obtained showed that the prevalence of anemia among pregnant women is severe at Fatima Hospital in Jashore, Bangladesh.
 
</p></abstract><kwd-group><kwd>Anemia</kwd><kwd> Antenatal Care (ANC)</kwd><kwd> Socio-Demographic Characteristics</kwd><kwd> Maternal Characteristics</kwd><kwd> Dietary Characteristics</kwd><kwd> Nutritional Characteristics</kwd></kwd-group></article-meta></front><body><sec id="s1"><title>1. Introduction</title><p>Anemia is a pathological condition arises when the concentration of hemoglobin (Hb) or hematocrit (HCT) or RBC (red blood cells) count is lower than the recommended normal range level rendering the reduction in the oxygen carrying capacity of red blood cells to tissues while affecting almost all age group of people, frequently pregnant women [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.94846-ref1">1</xref>] - [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.94846-ref8">8</xref>] . Anemia during pregnancy is a significant public health problem in low-income countries (56%) and developed countries (18%) [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.94846-ref2">2</xref>] - [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.94846-ref9">9</xref>] . Census and other exploratory studies estimated that anemia currently affecting 1.62 billion people worldwide and among those 56 million pregnant women were found anemic while contributing more than 115,000 maternal and 591,000 postnatal deaths globally every year [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.94846-ref6">6</xref>] [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.94846-ref10">10</xref>] [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.94846-ref11">11</xref>] [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.94846-ref12">12</xref>] [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.94846-ref13">13</xref>] . Usually, Anemia during pregnancy is defined when the Hemoglobin (Hb) concentration level is &lt;11 g/dl [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.94846-ref14">14</xref>] . However, there is a detailed category definition are available previously proposed by World Health Organization (WHO) [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.94846-ref14">14</xref>] . According to World Health Organization (WHO) anemia during pregnancy have been classified as mild (10.0 - 10.9 g/dl), moderate (7.0 - 9.9 g/dl) and severe (&lt;7.0 g/dl) based on the level of hemoglobin concentration in blood [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.94846-ref14">14</xref>] [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.94846-ref15">15</xref>] [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.94846-ref16">16</xref>] [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.94846-ref17">17</xref>] [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.94846-ref18">18</xref>] . Anemia has a number of contributing factors including poor nutritional status, poor diet, poor antenatal care service, socio-demographics, genetic, abortions, infectious disease, frequent labor and multi-parity [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.94846-ref16">16</xref>] . However, iron deficiency is the cause of 75% of anemia cases [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.94846-ref16">16</xref>] . Another leading cause of anemia is micro and macronutrients deficiency [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.94846-ref18">18</xref>] [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.94846-ref19">19</xref>] . Insufficient intake and poor bioavailability of iron-rich foods also have significant contribution for the onset of anemia during pregnancy [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.94846-ref16">16</xref>] . According to many studies, severity of anemia during pregnancy has been found responsible for poor maternal and fetal outcomes [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.94846-ref20">20</xref>] [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.94846-ref21">21</xref>] [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.94846-ref22">22</xref>] [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.94846-ref23">23</xref>] . The most common obstetric problems of anemia during pregnancy include; abortion, prematurity, intrauterine fetal death, neonatal low birth weight, postnatal mortality and morbidity [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.94846-ref20">20</xref>] - [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.94846-ref27">27</xref>] . In Bangladesh, there were three different surveys previously conducted and estimating the prevalence of anemia among pregnant women and the percentage (%)prevalence were found as 50%, 59% and 63% [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.94846-ref9">9</xref>] [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.94846-ref25">25</xref>] . However, to our information there was no other studies have ever been conducted at the area we are investigating regarding the prevalence of anemia during pregnancy. Since information on anemia and its associated factors with maternal anemia is not available in this area so our purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence and to probe the associated factors of anemia among pregnant women receiving Antenatal Care (ANC) at Fatima Hospital in Jashore, Bangladesh.</p></sec><sec id="s2"><title>2. Materials and Methods</title><sec id="s2_1"><title>2.1. Study Design</title><p>A facility-based cross-sectional study.</p></sec><sec id="s2_2"><title>2.2. Period and Area</title><p>The study was carried out from 2<sup>nd</sup> February to 24<sup>th</sup> April 2019 at Fatima Hospital in Jashore, Bangladesh, a Christian missionary hospital which was established in 1970 and providing high quality services, developing and implementing effective programs particularly for the vulnerable and poor people including pregnant women.</p></sec><sec id="s2_3"><title>2.3. Study Population</title><p>The study populations were pregnant women in all trimester who visited at Fatima Hospital for antenatal care. Participants who were pregnant and fulfilled the inclusion criteria were included in the study. Each participant was enrolled only once on their first visit during the study period.</p></sec><sec id="s2_4"><title>2.4. Sample Size Determination and Sampling Procedures</title><p>The actual sample size for the study was determined based on the prevalence rate of (50%) anemia in pregnant women in Bangladesh from the previous study and also to get maximum sample size. The 95% confidence interval and 5% marginal error, sample size (n) the formula is shown below was used to determine the sample size. Simple random sampling technique was applied. Individual women who self-reported to the health center were included until 384 sample sizes were obtained [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.94846-ref2">2</xref>] .</p><p>N = Z 2 &#215; P ( 1 − P ) D 2</p><p>where,</p><p>D = Marginal error, 5%,</p><p>N = Sample size,</p><p>Z = Confident interval, 95%,</p><p>P = Based on 50% prevalence rate on the previous study in Bangladesh [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.94846-ref9">9</xref>] ,</p><p>N = (1.96)<sup>2</sup> &#215; 0.5 (1 − 0.50)/0.0025 = 384.16.</p></sec><sec id="s2_5"><title>2.5. Data Collection Procedures</title><p>A pretested structured questionnaire was used to get socio-demographic characteristics, clinical history, dietary habit and nutritional characteristics of pregnant women. The questionnaire was firstly translated into first language Bengali then retranslated into English. Five trained B.Sc. completed students from department of Nutrition and Food Technology, Jashore University of Science and Technology were hired for the collection and record of the data. The respondents were identified as follows: The interviewers informed the indoor participants about the motifs, aim and objectives, risks and benefits of the study, then the interviewers convinced the client to complete the interview process after receiving their routine antenatal care (ANC). Patients interviewed in a private study room and also current medical records were checked. We conducted interview in a safe, secure and confidential environment and then the biological tests result was recorded from the patient obstetric file. Anemia status of pregnant women was classified to mild (10.0 - 10.9 g/dl), moderate (7.0 - 9.9 g/dl) and severe (&lt;7.0 g/dl) according to World Health Organization (WHO) [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.94846-ref14">14</xref>] [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.94846-ref15">15</xref>] [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.94846-ref16">16</xref>] [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.94846-ref17">17</xref>] [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.94846-ref18">18</xref>] . Mid Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC) was also used to determine the nutrition status of pregnant women which was categorized as acute malnutrition or wasting &lt; 21 cm, moderate 21 - 23 cm and normal &gt; 23 cm [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.94846-ref12">12</xref>] .</p></sec><sec id="s2_6"><title>2.6. Data Processing and Analysis</title><p>Data we reanalyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Science (SPSS) (version 16.0) Descriptive analysis was employed to calculate frequency and percentage. Frequency tables and charts were used to present the summarized data. Binary logistic regression analysis was employed to identify factors associated with anemia. In every cases P Value &lt; 0.05 was considered statistically significance.</p></sec><sec id="s2_7"><title>2.7. Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria</title><p>Healthy pregnant women in all trimester, who were consented to provide information was included while excluding participants who were seriously ill and did not want to give their information.</p></sec><sec id="s2_8"><title>2.8. Ethical Consideration</title><p>Ethical clearance was obtained from department of Nutrition and Food Technology; Jashore University of Science and Technology. Ethical Review Committee Permission letter was submitted to the Superintendent of Fatima hospital. The aim and objective of the study were explicated clearly to the pregnant women and their families. Their oral permission was taken to conduct this study while preserving the information of each mother under the study confidentially.</p></sec></sec><sec id="s3"><title>3. Results</title><sec id="s3_1"><title>3.1. Socio-Demographic Characteristics</title><p>A total of 384 pregnant women receiving hospital-based antenatal care (ANC) were including the study. Majority, 144 (37.5%) of the study participants were found 21 - 25 age group and only 6 (1.6%) were found 36 or more than 36 years old. More than half of the participants 200 (52.1%) lived in urban area and rest 184 (47.9%) pregnant women were in rural area. More than three-fourth 296 (77.1%) pregnant women were Muslim. Among all the participants 122 (31.8%) pregnant women attended secondary school and 112 (29.2%) completed their graduation. All of the pregnant women were married and most of were housewife 309 (80.5%) (<xref ref-type="table" rid="table1">Table 1</xref>).</p><table-wrap id="table1" ><label><xref ref-type="table" rid="table1">Table 1</xref></label><caption><title> Socio-demographic characteristics of the pregnant women (N = 384)</title></caption><table><tbody><thead><tr><th align="center" valign="middle" >Characteristics</th><th align="center" valign="middle" >Number</th><th align="center" valign="middle" >Percentage (%)</th></tr></thead><tr><td align="center" valign="middle"  colspan="3"  >Age (Years)</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >≤20</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >88</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >22.9</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >21 - 25</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >144</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >37.5</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >26 - 30</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >108</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >28.1</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >31 - 35</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >38</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >9.9</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >≥36</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >6</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >1.6</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle"  colspan="3"  >Residence</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >Urban</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >200</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >52.1</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >Rural</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >184</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >47.9</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle"  colspan="3"  >Marital Status</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >Married</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >384</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >100</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >Divorced</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >0</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >0</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >Widowed</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >0</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >0</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle"  colspan="3"  >Religion</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >Muslim</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >296</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >77.1</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >Hindu</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >85</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >22.1</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >Other</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >3</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >0.8</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle"  colspan="3"  >Educational status</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >Never attendant school</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >10</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >2.6</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >Primary school</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >42</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >10.9</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >Secondary school</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >122</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >31.8</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >Higher secondary</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >98</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >25.5</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >Graduation and above</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >112</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >29.2</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle"  colspan="3"  >Occupation</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >Housewife</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >309</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >80.5</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >Govt. employee</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >11</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >2.9</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >Private employee</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >8</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >2.1</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >Student</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >56</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >14.6</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle"  colspan="3"  >Family monthly income (Taka)</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >≤10,000</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >51</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >13.3</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >11,000 - 20,000</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >149</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >38.8</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >21,000 - 30,000</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >110</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >28.6</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >≥31,000</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >74</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >19.3</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle"  colspan="3"  >Family Size</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >Nuclear</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >246</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >64.1</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >Joint</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >138</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >35.9</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle"  colspan="3"  >Age at marriage (Years)</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >&lt;16</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >52</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >13.5</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >16 - 18</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >172</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >44.8</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >&gt;18</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >160</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >41.7</td></tr></tbody></table></table-wrap></sec><sec id="s3_2"><title>3.2. Clinical and Maternal Characteristics</title><p>More than half of the pregnant women 221 (57.6%) were third trimester (gestational age more than 28 weeks), while 127 (33.1%) were second trimester (gestational age between 13 to 28 weeks) and 36 (9.4%) were first trimester (gestational age less than 13 weeks). Among all pregnant women 221 (54.9%) were multi-gravida, more than half of the pregnant women were without child 222 (57.8%) and women with one child 139 (36.2%). More than half of the pregnant women 221 (57.6%) were attending antenatal more than three times (<xref ref-type="table" rid="table2">Table 2</xref>).</p><table-wrap id="table2" ><label><xref ref-type="table" rid="table2">Table 2</xref></label><caption><title> Clinical and maternal characteristics of the study participants</title></caption><table><tbody><thead><tr><th align="center" valign="middle" >Characteristics</th><th align="center" valign="middle" >Number</th><th align="center" valign="middle" >Percentage (%)</th></tr></thead><tr><td align="center" valign="middle"  colspan="3"  >Gestational age (trimester)</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >First</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >36</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >9.4</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >Second</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >127</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >33.1</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >Third</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >221</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >57.6</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle"  colspan="3"  >Number of pregnancies</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >Primigravida</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >173</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >45.1</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >Multigravida</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >221</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >54.9</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle"  colspan="3"  >Number of deliveries</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >No child</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >222</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >57.8</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >1</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >139</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >36.2</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >2 - 3</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >23</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >6.0</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >4 and more</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >0</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >0</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle"  colspan="3"  >Level of birth spacing</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >First pregnancy</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >176</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >45.8</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >&lt;2 years</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >71</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >18.5</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >&gt;2 years</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >137</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >35.7</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle"  colspan="3"  >Frequency of ANC</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >First</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >76</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >19.8</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >Second</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >87</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >22.7</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >Third or more</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >221</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >57.6</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle"  colspan="3"  >History of miscarriage</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >Yes</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >100</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >26</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >No</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >284</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >74</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle"  colspan="3"  >History of previous surgery</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >Yes</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >122</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >31.8</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >No</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >262</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >68.2</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle"  colspan="3"  >Excessive blood loss during previous surgery</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >Yes</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >45</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >11.7</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >No</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >339</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >88.3</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle"  colspan="3"  >Current Malaria attack</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >Yes</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >0</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >0</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >No</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >384</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >100</td></tr></tbody></table></table-wrap></sec><sec id="s3_3"><title>3.3. Dietary and Nutrition Related Characteristics</title><p>Almost all of the pregnant women 345 (89.8%) consumed meat once or less per week. Everyday fish and green leafy vegetables consumption by participants were 155 (40.4%), 145 (37.8%). More than half of the participants 227 (59.1%) consume fruits once or less per week. Near half of the responded said they ate egg and milk or milk products daily 191 (49.7%) and 188 (49%). Iron supplement taken by pregnant mother were 260 (67.7%) and iron supplement taken by respondent among 260 participants &lt;30 days 59 (22.7%), 30 - 60 days 93 (35.8%), and 60 - 90 days 108 (41.5%). Near three-fourth of respondent 278 (72.4%) eaten five to eight group of food daily. Near half of the pregnant women 179 (46.6%) drink tea or coffee and among 179 participants 86 (48%) were consume tea or coffee immediately after meal. Majority of the respondents 355 (92.4%) were daily breakfast taken. Nutritional status of the participants was determined by Mid Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC) and above 384 participants 19 (4.9%) had MUAC of &lt;21 cm, 46 (12%) had MUAC among 21 to 23 cm, and residual 319 (83.1%) had an MUAC within the normal limit (&gt;23 cm) (<xref ref-type="table" rid="table3">Table 3</xref>).</p></sec><sec id="s3_4"><title>3.4. Prevalence of Anemia</title><p>Among 384 pregnant women who were receiving antenatal care at Fatima Hospital in Jashore 226 (58.9%) were anemic according on their hemoglobin (Hb) test result and the rest of 158 (41.1%) did not show anemia (<xref ref-type="table" rid="table4">Table 4</xref>). Among 226 anemic pregnant mother 82 (36.3%) had mild anemia, 141 (62.4%) had moderate anemia and 3 (1.3%) had severe anemia and (<xref ref-type="fig" rid="fig1">Figure 1</xref>).</p></sec><sec id="s3_5"><title>3.5. Associated Factors of Anemia among Pregnant Women</title><p>Binary logistic regression analysis was applied to find out the possible associations of anemia and socio-demographic factors: Monthly family income (11,000 - 20,000 Taka) [AOR (95% CI) = 0.45 (0.21 - 0.98), P = 0.04] and family size (joint) [AOR (95% CI) = 1.59 (1.03 - 2.45), P = 0.03], Clinical and Maternal</p><table-wrap-group id="3"><label><xref ref-type="table" rid="table3">Table 3</xref></label><caption><title> Dietary and nutritional characteristics of the participants</title></caption><table-wrap id="3_1"><table><tbody><thead><tr><th align="center" valign="middle" >Characteristics</th><th align="center" valign="middle" >Number</th><th align="center" valign="middle" >Percentage (%)</th></tr></thead><tr><td align="center" valign="middle"  colspan="3"  >Meat consumption</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >Everyday</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >0</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >0</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >Every two days</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >39</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >10.2</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >Every week or less</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >345</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >89.8</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle"  colspan="3"  >Fish consumption</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >Everyday</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >155</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >40.4</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >Every two days</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >164</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >42.7</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >Every week or less</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >65</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >16.9</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle"  colspan="3"  >Green leafy vegetables consumption</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >Everyday</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >145</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >37.8</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >Every two days</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >163</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >42.4</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >Every week or less</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >76</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >19.8</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle"  colspan="3"  >Fruits consumption</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >Everyday</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >43</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >11.2</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >Every two days</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >114</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >29.7</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >Every week or less</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >227</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >59.1</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle"  colspan="3"  >Egg consumption</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >Everyday</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >191</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >49.7</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >Every two days</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >111</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >28.9</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >Every week or less</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >82</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >21.4</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle"  colspan="3"  >Milk consumption</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >Everyday</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >188</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >49.0</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >Every two days</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >70</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >18.2</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >Every week or less</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >126</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >32.8</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle"  colspan="3"  >Iron supplement taken in this antenatal (ANC) period</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >Yes</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >260</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >67.7</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >No</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >124</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >32.3</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle"  colspan="3"  >Iron supplement taken level</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >&lt;30 days</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >59</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >22.7</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >31 - 60 days</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >93</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >35.8</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >61 - 90 days</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >108</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >41.5</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle"  colspan="3"  >Food group eaten in 24 hours</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >&gt;8 groups</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >54</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >14.1</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >5 - 8 groups</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >278</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >72.4</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >1 - 4 groups</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >52</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >13.5</td></tr></tbody></table></table-wrap><table-wrap id="3_2"><table><tbody><thead><tr><th align="center" valign="middle"  colspan="3"  >Drink tea or coffee</th></tr></thead><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >Yes</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >179</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >46.6</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >No</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >205</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >53.4</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle"  colspan="3"  >Consumption of tea or coffee immediately after meal n = 179</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >Consume</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >86</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >48.0</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >Not consume</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >93</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >52.0</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle"  colspan="3"  >Daily breakfast taken</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >Yes</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >355</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >92.4</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >No</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >29</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >7.6</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >MUAC (cm)</td><td align="center" valign="middle" ></td><td align="center" valign="middle" ></td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >&lt;21</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >19</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >4.9</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >21 - 23</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >46</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >12.0</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >&gt;23</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >319</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >83.1</td></tr></tbody></table></table-wrap></table-wrap-group><table-wrap id="table4" ><label><xref ref-type="table" rid="table4">Table 4</xref></label><caption><title> Prevalence of anemia at Fatima hospital in Jashore of the study participants from 2<sup>nd</sup> February to 24<sup>th</sup> April, 2019</title></caption><table><tbody><thead><tr><th align="center" valign="middle" >Characteristics</th><th align="center" valign="middle" >Number</th><th align="center" valign="middle" >Percent</th></tr></thead><tr><td align="center" valign="middle"  colspan="3"  >Overall prevalence of anemia</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >Anemia</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >226</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >58.9</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >No anemia</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >158</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >41.1</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle"  colspan="3"  >Severity of anemia n = 226</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >Mild</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >82</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >36.3</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >Moderate</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >141</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >62.4</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >Severe</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >3</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >1.3</td></tr></tbody></table></table-wrap><p>characteristics: Gestational age (third trimester) [AOR (95% CI) = 2.18 (1.40 - 3.40), P = 0.001], level of birth spacing &lt; 2 years [AOR (95% CI) = 2.87 (1.51 - 5.44), P = 0.001] respectively and blood loss during previous surgery (Yes) [AOR (95% CI) = 2.08 (1.04 - 4.17), P = 0.03], nutritional characteristics: Food group eaten 24 hours (1 - 4 groups) [AOR (95% CI) = 3.43 (1.84 - 6.39), P = 0.001] and breakfast regularly (No) [AOR (95% CI) = 3.64 (1.36 - 9.75), P = 0.01] were significantly associated with anemia (<xref ref-type="table" rid="table5">Table 5</xref>).</p></sec></sec><sec id="s4"><title>4. Discussion</title><p>This study was carried out to assess the prevalence and factors associated of anemia among pregnant women receiving antenatal care (ANC) at Fatima Hospital, Bangladesh. The overall prevalence of anemia among pregnant women in this study was 58.9%. Out of 226 anemic pregnant mothers, 36.3% (82/226) were mildly anemic, 62.4% (141/226) were moderately anemic and 1.3% (3/384) was severely anemic. According to the World Health Organization classification, the</p><table-wrap-group id="5"><label><xref ref-type="table" rid="table5">Table 5</xref></label><caption><title> Associated factors of anemia among pregnant women receiving antenatal care (ANC) at Fatima Hospital in Jashore, 2<sup>nd</sup> February to 24<sup>th</sup> April, 2019</title></caption><table-wrap id="5_1"><table><tbody><thead><tr><th align="center" valign="middle"  colspan="5"  >Anemia status</th></tr></thead><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >Variable</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >Anemia (%)</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >Normal (%)</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >P-value</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >AOR (95% CI)</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle"  colspan="5"  >Age of mothers (Years)</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >≤20</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >45 (51.1)</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >43 (48.9)</td><td align="center" valign="middle" ></td><td align="center" valign="middle" >1</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >21 - 25</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >83 (57.6)</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >61 (42.4)</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >0.47</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >1.91 (0.33 - 10.98)</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >26 - 30</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >69 (63.9)</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >39 (36.1)</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >0.66</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >1.47 (0.26 - 8.29)</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >31 - 35</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >25 (65.8)</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >13 (34.2)</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >0.89</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >1.13 (0.20 - 6.46)</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >≥36</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >4 (66.7)</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >2 (33.3)</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >0.97</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >1.04 (0.17 - 6.45)</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle"  colspan="5"  >Residence</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >Urban</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >113 (56.5)</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >87 (43.5)</td><td align="center" valign="middle" ></td><td align="center" valign="middle" >1</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >Rural</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >113 (61.4)</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >71 (38.6)</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >0.33</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >1.23 (0.82 - 1.84)</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle"  colspan="5"  >Family monthly income (Taka)</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >≤10,000</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >38 (74.5)</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >13 (25.5)</td><td align="center" valign="middle" ></td><td align="center" valign="middle" >1</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >11,000 - 20,000</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >83 (55.7)</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >66 (44.3)</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >0.04*</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >0.45 (0.21 - 0.98)</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >21,000 - 30,000</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >63 (57.3)</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >47 (42.7)</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >0.88</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >1.04 (0.60 - 1.83)</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >≥31,000</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >42 (56.8)</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >32 (43.2)</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >0.94</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >0.98 (0.54 - 1.78)</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle"  colspan="5"  >Family size</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >Nuclear</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >135 (54.9)</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >111 (45.1)</td><td align="center" valign="middle" ></td><td align="center" valign="middle" >1</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >Joint</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >91 (65.1)</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >47 (34.1)</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >0.03*</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >1.59 (1.03 - 2.45)</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle"  colspan="5"  >Gestational age (trimester)</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >First</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >25 (69.4)</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >11 (30.6)</td><td align="center" valign="middle" ></td><td align="center" valign="middle" >1</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >Second</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >58 (45.7)</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >69 (54.3)</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >0.58</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >0.81 (0.38 - 1.73)</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >Third</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >143 (64.7)</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >78 (35.3)</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >0.001*</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >2.18 (1.40 - 3.40)</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle"  colspan="5"  >Number of pregnancies</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >Primigravida</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >98 (56.6)</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >75 (43.4)</td><td align="center" valign="middle" ></td><td align="center" valign="middle" >1</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >Multigravida</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >128 (60.7)</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >83 (39.3)</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >0.42</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >1.18 (0.79 - 1.78)</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle"  colspan="5"  >Number of deliveries</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >No</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >128 (57.7)</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >94 (42.3)</td><td align="center" valign="middle" ></td><td align="center" valign="middle" >1</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >1</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >80 (57.6)</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >59 (42.4)</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >0.06</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >2.64 (0.95 - 7.38)</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >2 - 3</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >18 (78.3)</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >5 (21.7)</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >0.06</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >2.66 (0.93 - 7.56)</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle"  colspan="5"  >Level of birth spacing N = 208</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >&gt;2 years</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >72 (52.6)</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >65 (47.4)</td><td align="center" valign="middle" ></td><td align="center" valign="middle" >1</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >&lt;2 years</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >54 (76.1)</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >17 (23.9)</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >0.001*</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >2.87 (1.51 - 5.44)</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle"  colspan="5"  >Frequency of ANC</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >First</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >47 (61.8)</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >29 (38.2)</td><td align="center" valign="middle" ></td><td align="center" valign="middle" >1</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >Second</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >48 (55.2)</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >39 (44.8)</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >0.69</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >0.90 (0.53 - 1.53)</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >Third or more</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >131 (59.3)</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >90 (40.7)</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >0.51</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >1.18 (0.72 - 1.95)</td></tr></tbody></table></table-wrap><table-wrap id="5_2"><table><tbody><thead><tr><th align="center" valign="middle"  colspan="5"  >Excessive blood loss during previous surgery</th></tr></thead><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >Yes</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >33 (73.3)</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >12 (26.7)</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >0.039*</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >2.08 (1.04 - 4.17)</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >No</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >193 (56.9)</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >146 (43.1)</td><td align="center" valign="middle" ></td><td align="center" valign="middle" >1</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle"  colspan="5"  >Iron supplement taken in this antenatal (ANC) period</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >Yes</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >148 (56.9)</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >112 (43.1)</td><td align="center" valign="middle" ></td><td align="center" valign="middle" >1</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >No</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >78 (62.9)</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >46 (37.1)</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >0.26</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >1.28 (0.83 - 1.99)</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle"  colspan="5"  >Food group eaten in 24 hours</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >&gt;8 groups</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >17 (31.5)</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >37 (68.5)</td><td align="center" valign="middle" ></td><td align="center" valign="middle" >1</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >5 - 8 groups</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >170 (61.2)</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >108 (38.8)</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >0.06</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >0.53 (0.27 - 1.03)</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >1 - 4 groups</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >39 (75.0)</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >13 (25.0)</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >0.001*</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >3.43 (1.84 - 6.39)</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle"  colspan="5"  >MUAC (cm)</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >&lt;21</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >10 (52.6)</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >9 (47.4)</td><td align="center" valign="middle" ></td><td align="center" valign="middle" >1</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >21 - 23</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >30 (65.2)</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >16 (34.8)</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >0.63</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >1.26 (0.50 - 3.18)</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >&gt;23</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >186 (58.3)</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >133 (41.7)</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >0.37</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >0.75 (0.39 - 1.42)</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle"  colspan="5"  >Breakfast regularly</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >Yes</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >202 (56.9)</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >153 (43.9)</td><td align="center" valign="middle" ></td><td align="center" valign="middle" >1</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >No</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >24 (82.8)</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >5 (17.2)</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >0.01*</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >3.64 (1.36 - 9.75)</td></tr></tbody></table></table-wrap></table-wrap-group><p>1 = Reference; AOR = Adjuster Odds Ratio; CI = Confidential Interval; *P &lt; 0.05 statistically significant association for the Adjusted Odds Ratio.</p><p>prevalence of anemia among pregnant women in this study was a severe public health problem [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.94846-ref17">17</xref>] [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.94846-ref28">28</xref>] [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.94846-ref29">29</xref>] . The prevalence determined in this study area was comparable with other studies reported in different countries: Bangladesh (59%), Bhutan (59%), and Sri Lanka (60%) [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.94846-ref25">25</xref>] , China (58.6%) [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.94846-ref18">18</xref>] , Malaysia (57.4%) [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.94846-ref27">27</xref>] ; higher than Republic in Korea (30.2%), South Africa (19.7%) [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.94846-ref15">15</xref>] , in rural area of Southern Ethiopia (29%); and lower than India (87.2%), Pakistan (90.5%) [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.94846-ref27">27</xref>] and Nepal (73%) [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.94846-ref9">9</xref>] . Socio-demographic factors are associated with anemia among pregnant women [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.94846-ref22">22</xref>] . The current study has showed that only monthly family income (in Bangladeshi Taka) and family size were significantly associated with anemia. Participants who had family monthly income (Taka) (11,000 to 20,000 Bangladeshi Taka) [AOR (95% CI) = 0.45 (0.21 - 0.98), P = 0.04] were less likely to be anemic as compared to those with low monthly family income (Taka) (&lt;10,000 Bangladeshi Taka). The similar findings had also been reported in another study conducted in China [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.94846-ref1">1</xref>] , Southern Ethiopia [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.94846-ref6">6</xref>] , Dhaka, Bangladesh [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.94846-ref25">25</xref>] , Arba Minch, Ethiopia [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.94846-ref26">26</xref>] , Northwest Ethiopia [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.94846-ref30">30</xref>] , and Addis Ababa, Ethiopia [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.94846-ref31">31</xref>] . Numerous studies have transpired that low household monthly income disturbs the household food purchasing capacity while affecting the household food security. In addition, people living in poor households are found with diminished dietary intake and high risk of nutritional deficiencies [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.94846-ref30">30</xref>] [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.94846-ref31">31</xref>] . The present study revealed that, the family size was also significantly associated with anemia. Participants with family size (joint) [AOR (95% CI) = 1.59 (1.03 - 2.45), P = 0.03] were 1.59 times higher risk of anemia than family size nuclear. This finding is similar with a study conducted at Tikur Anbessa Hospital, Ethiopia [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.94846-ref32">32</xref>] , JigJiga, Eastern Ethiopia [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.94846-ref13">13</xref>] , and Southern Ethiopia [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.94846-ref31">31</xref>] . The large family size is related to anemia among pregnant women could be due to food insecurity [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.94846-ref31">31</xref>] . Clinical and maternal characteristics are known important determinants of anemia [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.94846-ref32">32</xref>] . The current study showed that gestational age (trimester) was a significantly associated with anemia among pregnant women and the risk of developing anemia increases with the gestational age. The risk of developing anemia was higher in the third trimester compared than the first and second trimester. The current study showed that, the prevalence of anemia was 2.18 times higher at third trimester [AOR (95% CI) = 2.18 (1.40 - 3.40), P = 0.001] than first trimester. The study finding was well-matched with other studies conducted at Adigrat General Hospital, Northern Ethiopia [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.94846-ref5">5</xref>] , Southern Ethiopia [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.94846-ref6">6</xref>] , JigJiga, Eastern Ethiopia [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.94846-ref13">13</xref>] , Addis Ababa, Ethiopia [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.94846-ref27">27</xref>] , Southern Ethiopia [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.94846-ref31">31</xref>] , and Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital, Addis Ababa Ethiopia [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.94846-ref32">32</xref>] . Pregnant women’s birth interval having less than two years [AOR (95% CI) = 2.87 (1.51 - 5.44), P = 0.001] were 2.87 times more likely to be anemic compared to those with birth interval more than two years. This study finding is also found similar with other studies conducted in at Northern Ethiopia [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.94846-ref4">4</xref>] , Addis Ababa Ethiopia [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.94846-ref32">32</xref>] , and Arba Minch Town, Ethiopia [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.94846-ref26">26</xref>] . The birth interval less than two years might be associated with a decreased iron store of women due to increase the incidence of anemia in pregnancy. The present study also showed that, history of blood loses (yes) [AOR (95% CI) = 2.08 (1.04 - 4.17), P = 0.03] was statistically significant association with anemia. Findings were similar with the study conducted at Southern Ethiopia [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.94846-ref2">2</xref>] , Northern Ethiopia [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.94846-ref5">5</xref>] , Southeast Ethiopia [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.94846-ref7">7</xref>] , Tigray region, northern Ethiopia [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.94846-ref21">21</xref>] , and Addis Ababa Ethiopia [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.94846-ref32">32</xref>] . Food group eaten 24 hours (1 - 4 groups) [AOR (95% CI) = 3.43 (1.84 - 6.39), P = 0.001] 3.43 times were more anemic than who are eaten &gt; 8 food groups. Breakfast regularly (No) [AOR (95% CI) = 3.64 (1.36 - 9.75), P = 0.01] 3.64 times were more anemic than who were breakfast regularly. The result was reliable with studies conducted at Northern Ethiopia [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.94846-ref10">10</xref>] , Mekelle Town [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.94846-ref12">12</xref>] , and Tigray region, northern Ethiopia [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.94846-ref21">21</xref>] . In those studies participants were showed more anemic who were meal frequency less than two or three times. However, the current study did not show any statistically significant association between anemia and occupation (housewives), mother’s education level, and iron supplement but previously statistically significant association s was reported in different studies.</p></sec><sec id="s5"><title>5. Conclusions</title><p>More than half (58.9%) the pregnant mothers were anemic among those participants which are a severe public health problem. In the current study we found a high prevalence of anemia and the majority of them were showed the moderate type anemia (Hb level: 7 - 9.9 g/dl). Monthly family income, family size, gestational age, level of birth spacing, excessive blood loss in the previous surgery, food group eaten 24 hours and breakfast regularly were a significant association of anemia. Therefore, it is recommended to enhance the socio-economic status, diversifying food intake and increasing meal frequency of pregnant women. Moreover, using family planning methods and maternal health education is highly recommended to reduce anemia during pregnancy.</p>Limitations<p>The study was institutional based study. Further study should be conducted based on a community level to make this finding stronger. We did not consider other factors like parasitic infections which is an important factor of anemia. We were therefore not able to determine their contribution to anemia in our study population. Being a cross-sectional study, therefore, we could not identify the cause and effect relationship.</p></sec><sec id="s6"><title>Acknowledgements</title><p>We would like to thank all the pregnant women attending antenatal care who participated in this study, our heartiest gratitude to all the doctors and stuffs from the Infant &amp; Maternal department of Fatima Hospital for their great patience and full cooperation during the data collection.</p></sec><sec id="s7"><title>Conflicts of Interest</title><p>The authors declare no conflict of interest.</p></sec><sec id="s8"><title>Cite this paper</title><p>Ahmed, S., Al Mamun, Md.A., Mahmud, N., Farzana, N., Sathi, M.S.A., Biswas, B.K., Datta, A. and Ahmad, T. (2019) Prevalence and Associated Factors of Anemia among Pregnant Women Receiving Antenatal Care (ANC) at Fatima Hospital in Jashore, Bangladesh: A Cross-Sectional Study. Food and Nutrition Sciences, 10, 1056-1071. https://doi.org/10.4236/fns.2019.109076</p></sec></body><back><ref-list><title>References</title><ref id="scirp.94846-ref1"><label>1</label><mixed-citation publication-type="other" xlink:type="simple">Hailu Jufar, A. (2014) Prevalence of Anemia among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Care at Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital, Addis Ababa Ethiopia. Journal of Hematology and Thromboembolic Diseases, 2, 125. https://doi.org/10.4172/2329-8790.1000125</mixed-citation></ref><ref id="scirp.94846-ref2"><label>2</label><mixed-citation publication-type="other" xlink:type="simple">Gedefaw, L., Ayele, A., Asres, Y. and Mossie, A. (2015) Anaemia and Associated Factors among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Care Clinic in Walayita Sodo Town, Southern Ethiopia. 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