Prevalence and Risk Factors Associated with Anemia among Women of Childbearing Age in Rwanda

Anemia among women of child bearing age is a global public health problem. In developing countries such as Rwanda, women and their children may be particularly susceptible to anemia. The main objectives of this study were to assess the prevalence of anemia among women of reproductive age in Rwanda and to identify the risk factors associated therewith. The current study considered socio-economic, demographic and environmental factors and the 2014/2015 Rwanda Demographic and Health Survey data was used for this purpose. Due to the complexity of the sampling design, the present study used survey logistic model that takes account of sampling weight, stratification and clustering. The SAS statistical software was used for the analysis of the results. The anemia status was assessed among 6 680 women aged between 15 and 49 years old and the prevalence of anemia among women of this child bearing age group, was found to be 19.2%. The study also revealed that body mass index, contraceptive use, use of mosquito bed nets, marital status, wealth quintile of the household, size of the household, literacy, tobacco use, type of cooking fuel, type of toilet facilities, type of source of drinkable water, and province of residence, were all factors associated with anemia among women of reproductive age in Rwanda. Hence the current study highlights several health, geographical and socio-economic issues that can assist health care professionals and other relevant authorities in fostering an environment that reduces the risk of anemia for women and children.