What factors are associated with anaemia in pregnancy among Nigerian women? Evidence from a national survey

Background: Anaemia in pregnancy remains a severe public health problem in sub-Saharan African countries including Nigeria.Objectives: To assess factors associated with anaemia in pregnancy among Nigerian women.Methods: A secondary analysis of the 2018 Nigeria demographic health survey was conducted to determine the predictors of anaemia among Nigerian pregnant women (N=1522). SAS 9.4 was used for the analysis. Results: The prevalence of anaemia in pregnancy was 61.1%. On multivariable logistic regression analysis, women in the North-central (AOR=2.52, CI=1.46-4.35) and South-south (AOR=2.21, CI=1.06-4.59) had increased odds of anaemia in pregnancy, compared to those in the Northwest. Women with no education (AOR=2.38, CI=1.28-4.44), primary education (AOR=3.06, CI=1.58-5.96) and secondary education (AOR=1.75, CI=1.04-2.94) had increased odds of anaemia in pregnancy compared to women with teriary education. Also, women not in marital union had increased odds of anaemia in pregnancy compared to women in a union (AOR=2.56, CI=1.15-5.72). Women in the second (AOR=2.42, CI=1.79-3.29) and third trimes-ters of pregnancy (AOR=2.83, CI=2.07-3.89) had increased odds of anaemia.Conclusion: These findings are important for the control of anemia among pregnant Nigerian women. Women in the North -central and Southsouth zones are particularly at risk for anaemia in pregnancy and should receive special attention during ante-natal care.