Risk factors associated with anemia among women of reproductive age (15-49) in Albania: A quantile regression analysis

Background: Since anemia is significantly associated with morbidity and mortality among women of reproductive age, identifying the risk factors of anemia remains an important topic of public health. Therefore, this study aims to identify the potential risk factors of anemia among Albanian women of reproductive age. Methods: For the analysis, the necessary information was collected from a nationally representative secondary dataset, Albania Demographic and Health Survey (ADHS), 2017-18. The anemia status was assessed by the hemoglobin level of the women age 15-49 in Albania. To identify the potential risk factors of anemia, we considered a quantile regression model. Results: The mean of the respondent's hemoglobin level was 60 with a standard deviation (SD) of 11.73. The minimum value of the hemoglobin level is 2.00, while the maximum is 99.60. From the estimate of quantile regression, women's education level, wealth index, place of residence, the contraceptive method during pregnancy, body mass index (BMI), and source of drinking water were the significant risk factors for developing anemia among women of reproductive age. Conclusion: The outcome of this study will help the policymakers design suitable policies and interventions to better address anemia during the childbearing period of women in Albania. Effective strategies to prevent and control anemia should focus on women living in rural areas, not higher educated, not using contraceptive methods during pregnancy, and drinking water is unsafe or underweight.