Abstract: This study examined the magnitude of anemia and its determinants among 468 apparently healthy women randomly selected from the pastoralist communities of Somali region, Ethiopia. The overall prevalence of anemia was 39.98%, of which mild, moderate and severe anemia were 108(25.17%), 57(13.29%) and 6(1.40%), respectively. Most (65%) of the anemic women are from rural settings. The mean Hgb level (adjusted for altitude) was 12.01(±2.1SD) gm/dl and ranged from 7-16gm/dl. As expected, anemia was significantly lower among contraceptive users (p=0.005), got iron supplementation (p=0.104), had no malaria (p=0.901) and counseled on anemia (p=0.375). Low consumption of meat (p=0.001) and fruits (p=0.029) were the significant factors associated with Anemia. To improve anemia in the community, a concerted effort comprising of public health measures and nutrition counseling in addition to the ongoing weekly iron folic acid supplementation is recommended.Abstract: This study examined the magnitude of anemia and its determinants among 468 apparently healthy women randomly selected from the pastoralist communities of Somali region, Ethiopia. The overall prevalence of anemia was 39.98%, of which mild, moderate and severe anemia were 108(25.17%), 57(13.29%) and 6(1.40%), respectively. Most (65%) of the anemic wo...Show More
