AUTHOR=Hassen Alemayehu Eshetu , Agegnehu Abatneh Feleke , Admass Biruk Adie , Temesgen Mamaru Mollalign 

TITLE=Preoperative anemia and associated factors in women undergoing cesarean section at a comprehensive specialized referral hospital in Ethiopia

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Medicine

VOLUME=Volume 10 - 2023

YEAR=2023

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/medicine/articles/10.3389/fmed.2023.1056001

DOI=10.3389/fmed.2023.1056001

ISSN=2296-858X

ABSTRACT=Background: Anemia is the most prevalent public health burden during pregnancy. Severe 
maternal and fetal complications have been associated with anemia. Despite the different efforts 
made, the high prevalence of preoperative anemia, combined with increasing global rates of 
cesarean section, is a significant global health issue.
Objective: This study was conducted to determine the prevalence and associated factors of 
preoperative anemia in parturients undergoing cesarean section at a comprehensive specialized 
hospital in Ethiopia.
Methods: An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted to determine preoperative 
anemia from April to June 2022. The study included a total of 424 parturient mothers undergoing
cesarean section. Data were obtained using a standardized questionnaire that included parturients' 
background characteristics. Bi-variable and multi-variable logistic regression analyses were 
performed to identify variables related to preoperative anemia. With a 95% confidence level, the 
estimated crude odds ratio and adjusted odds ratio were calculated. In a multivariate analysis, 
variables were considered statistically significant if their p-value was less than 0.05.
Result: The prevalence of preoperative maternal anemia was 28.3% (95% CI: 23.8%-32.5%). 
previous history of abortion, lack of iron supplementation, HIV infection, previous cesarean 
sections and ASA physical status III were significantly associated with preoperative anemia in 
parturients.
Conclusion: The overall prevalence of preoperative anemia among parturients who underwent
cesarean section was significant. Lack of Iron supplementation, ASA III, previous history of 
abortion, HIV infection, and previous cesarean section were associated with anemia.
Identification of high-risk parturients and prevention of preoperative anemia is essential.