Double Burden of Anemia and Soil Transmitted Helminthes among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Care in Shenan Gibe Hospital, Jimma Zone, Ethiopia - Abstract
Background: Soil transmitted helminthes (STHs) infections are among the most common infection mostly affects the poorest and most deprived community. Anemia caused by STH infection becomes most frequent complication related to pregnancy. Ascaris lumbricoides, Tricuris triciuria, and Ancyclostoma duodenale and Nectar americanus are the well-known of these parasites which cause morbidity and mortality in developing countries like Ethiopia.
Objective: Objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of STHs and its association with anemia among pregnant women attending ante-natal care clinic in Shanen Gibe Hospital, Jimma.
Method and material: A cross sectional study on prevalence of STHs and its association with anemia was conducted among conveniently selected pregnant women attending ante-natal care in Shanen Gibe Hospital from April 25 to May 25, 2019.
Result: A total of 400 pregnant women were enrolled in this study with the age range 18-45 years old. Overall prevalence of soil transmitted helminthes was 30.4% with the predominance of A.lumbricoids (16.3%), followed by hook worm (6%). The overall prevalence of anemia was 34.7% where mild anemia is 26% of the total study participants.
Conclusion and recommendation: The prevalence of STHs and anemia was higher in the study area. Different socio demographic and associated factors were identified as contributors of STH h infection and anemia among pregnant women. The finding of our study indicate that fecal examination for any of STH and blood examination for anemia should be included in parameter for antenatal care diagnosis. The policy makers and concerning bodies should give attention for mass drug administartion at least once annual for pregnant women and child breaning age women.