Anaemia in pregnancy across Tanzania: A comprehensive review of prevalence, risk factors, and birth outcomes

Problem considered: Anaemia in pregnancy is a significant public health issue in Tanzania, linked to poor maternal and neonatal outcomes.Despite numerous regional studies, a comprehensive synthesis is needed.This study examined the prevalence, associated factors, and perinatal outcomes of anaemia among pregnant women in Tanzania.Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted across Medline, EMBASE, PubMed, CINAHL, Web of Science, Scopus, PsycINFO, Science Direct, and grey literature sources, including manual searches for unpublished theses and dissertations from January 2010 to May 2025.Eligible studies reported prevalence and/or associated factors.Two independent reviewers screened, extracted data, and assessed study quality using PRISMA guidelines and the Modified Newcastle-Ottawa Scale.Findings were synthesised narratively through thematic grouping and interpretation.Results: Twelve studies met the inclusion criteria, reporting anaemia prevalence from 20 % to 83.5 %, with a pooled estimate of 51.5 % (95 % CI: 43.1 %-61.6 %).Fourteen risk factors were identified, including low income, limited education, poor diet, younger age, short pregnancy intervals, multigravidity, advanced gestation, and infections (malaria, HIV).Nine protective factors emerged, such as higher education, food security, good knowledge and attitudes, employment, adequate ANC, and proximity to health facilities.Anaemia was also linked to low birth weight and preterm birth.Conclusion: Anaemia in pregnancy remains prevalent in Tanzania, driven by socioeconomic, nutritional, and health factors.Targeted efforts to improve maternal nutrition, education, and ANC use are vital to reduce its impact on pregnancy outcomes.