PREVALENCE OF ANEMIA AND ITSASSOCIATED FACTORS AMONG REPRODUCTIVE AGE WOMEN ATTENDING REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH SERVICE AT HAWASSA COMPRHENSIVE SPECIALIZED HOSPITAL, ETHIOPIA.

<strong>ABSTRACT</strong>: Globally, anemia affects the lives of more than 2 billion people, accounting for over 30% of the world’s population which is the most common public health problem particularly in developing countries occurring at all stages of the people. The prevalence of anemia in developing countries is estimated to be 43% and that of developed countries is 9%. Anemia is a condition in which the number or size of red blood cells (RBC) changes than normal and thus hemoglobin concentration fall below the required level resulting in impaired capacity to transport oxygen. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and associated factors of anemia among reproductive age women attending reproductive health services at Hawassa Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Ethiopia. Health Institution-based cross-sectional quantitative design was used. The sample size was determined by single population proportion. Based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria by non-probability consecutive sampling method. Data were collected by face to face interview using the prepared questionnaires; blood and stool samples tests. Descriptive statics was used to determine prevalence of anemia. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression model was to identify independent predictors of Anemia. From the total of 365 reproductive age women 95 were anemic which makes overall prevalence of anemia in this study was (26%). Illiterate (AOR: 4.33 CI: 95% 1.62-11.56), recent history of abortion (AOR: 4.59 CI: 95%1.72-12.21) and urban residence was [AOR: 0.16: 95% CI: 0.065-0.38] were significant association with anemia in study participation. In nutshell, the overall prevalence of anemia in this study was (26%). Therefore, extension education should be strengthened and should provide comprehensive, accurate and timely information on the consequence of anemia in health of reproductive age women and advancing community knowledge about iron rich nutrition.