Dietary related predictors of anemia among pregnant women in Sidama region of Ethiopia

Anemia is the main cause of morbidity and mortality among pregnant women in developing countries including Ethiopia. Obstetric and medical related factors of anemia were widely studied unlike dietary related practices and habits. This stresses the need to identify dietary practices and habits in local context. Thus, this study aims to identify dietary related predictors of anemia among pregnant women in Sidama region, Ethiopia. A multi-center case control study was conducted among 561 (112 cases and 449 controls) pregnant women from June 10 to July 25, 2022. Consecutive sampling technique was used to select the study participants. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and SPSS version 27 software was used for analysis. Both bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify independent dietary predictors of anemia among pregnant women. Adjusted odds ratio with 95% confidence interval and p-value < 0.05, were used to determine the strength and statistically significant association, respectively. Inadequate dietary diversity [adjusted odd ratio (AOR) = 2.80; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.70, 4.60), drinking coffee or tea immediately after meal (AOR = 1.98; 95% CI: 1.07, 3.67), consumption of organ meat less than once per week (AOR = 1.71; 95% CI: 1.08, 2.71), and being under nourished (AOR = 1.74; 95% CI: 1.02, 2.98) were the identified predictors of anemia during pregnancy. Having inadequate dietary diversity, consuming inadequate organ meat, coffee or tea immediately after meal, as well as being under nourished were associated with increased odds of anemia in pregnant women. Therefore, dietary education during antenatal care service provision should be intensified to increase consumption of diversified foods and healthy eating practice during pregnancy.