Abstract:

Background: Anemia effects both low and high social economic status nations (4). The prevalence is high in pregnant women and in children (5). Among all cases of anemia iron deficiency anemia contribute about 50% though the proportion may vary among different population groups in different areas with local conditions (1). Acute and chronic infection such as Malaria, TB, and cancer may lead to anemia (4). In Africa about 57% is contributed due to low educational level and low social economic status leading to unaffordability of balanced diet leading to anemia. Followed by Southeast Asia (48%) (5). Different studies that has been done in Tanzania and other part of the world(8) has recorded a higher level prevalence is due to poor diet intake and low level of knowledge among pregnant women (9), though there is no current study that reported current prevalence, knowledge and associated factors of anemia among pregnant women in Tanzania. For instance, in Tanzania about 30% of neonatal death are due to Anemia and 23% of indirect cause of maternal death.

Results: Majority of women 325(81.3%) had already heard about anemia, majority of women 371(92.8%), 298(74.5%) and 315(78.7%) understand that anemia cannot be transmitted and can be treated respectively. The overall prevalence of anemia among enrolled participants was 33.8% (135).

Conclusion: Most pregnant women seems to be unaware about anemia and most of them have mild type of anemia. This study shows that risk factors to be associated with anemia includes alcohol use, lack of education and parity. Hence further education concerning anemia should be provided among pregnant women so as to increase their awareness.