Prevalence of Anemia and Associated Factorsamong Pregnant Women attending Al-SabeenHospital, Sana’a City, Yemen
Background and objectives: Anemia in pregnancy is a significant public health issue, especially in lowincome countries like Yemen. It leads to negative maternal and fetal outcomes, which are shaped by various socioeconomic, obstetric, dietary, and biological factors. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of anemia and its associated factors among pregnant women at the Maternity and Childhood Al-Sabeen Hospital in Sana’a, Yemen.
Methods: The cross-sectional study involving 376 pregnant women at Al-Sabeen Hospital was conducted from October 7 - 2024, to August 30, 2025. Researchers collected sociodemographic data, obstetric history, and dietary habits via a structured questionnaire. Hemoglobin and hematological parameters were evaluated through complete blood count analysis. Data analysis employed SPSS version 25, utilizing descriptive statistics, bivariate, and multivariable logistic regression to identify factors independently associated with anemia, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05.
Results: The overall prevalence of anemia was 27.9%, indicating a moderate public health problem. Most anemic cases were mild (16.0%) and moderate (11.7%), while severe anemia was rare (0.3%). Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that maternal age 18–24 years (AOR = 1.91), large family size (>8 members) (AOR = 2.79), grand multiparity (AOR = 2.97), and short interpregnancy interval (≤ 2 years) (AOR = 2.21) were significantly associated with higher odds of anemia. Higher monthly income (71,000–90,000 YR) was protective (AOR = 0.33). Dietary habits revealed a strong association between infrequent meat consumption and anemia, with women who never consumed meat having markedly higher odds (AOR = 11.85). Hemoglobin levels were positively associated with RBC indices and negatively associated with RDW and inflammatory markers.
Conclusion: Anemia among pregnant women attending Al-Sabeen Hospital remains a moderate public health problem, predominantly of mild to moderate severity. Young maternal age, low socioeconomic status, high parity, short birth spacing, large family size, and inadequate meat consumption were key determinants. By identifying specific risk factors like low iron intake, rural residency, and low visit frequency, the findings guide targeted public health interventions to protect mothers and babies.
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