Prevalence and associated factors of anemia among pregnant women attending antenatal care at Wolaita Sodo University comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Southern Ethiopia

Pregnancy-related anemia remains a major public health problem in low-income countries. However, its prevalence and associated factors have not been adequately studied in Wolaita Sodo, Southern Ethiopia. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and predictors of anemia among pregnant women in South Ethiopia in 2024. A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted among pregnant women attending antenatal care (ANC) at WSUCSH. We included all 309 pregnant women consecutively during the study period until this number was achieved. Two trained laboratory technologists collected 3 mL of venous blood and stool specimens, while three trained nurses collected socio-demographic, reproductive, clinical, and dietary data. Hemoglobin concentration was measured using an automated Zybio hematology analyzer. Data were entered into Epi Info 7 and exported to SPSS version 26 for analysis. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors independently associated with anemia. The prevalence of anemia in pregnancy was 31 % (95 % CI: 26.2–36.8), with 72 % of cases classified as mild, 25.8 % moderate, and 2.2 % severe. Education level (AOR = 2.3; 95 % CI: 1.1–5; p = 0.04) and dietary diversity (AOR = 12.5; 95 % CI: 4–34.2; p = 0.001) were significant predictors, with women lacking formal education and those with inadequate dietary diversity at higher risk. Anemia among pregnant women in the study area represents a moderate public health concern. Education level and dietary diversity were key predictors, underscoring the need for targeted educational and nutritional interventions to reduce anemia during pregnancy.