A B S T R A C T
Introduction: In spite of intervention efforts, in Uganda, as in other developing countries, high levels of anaemia among pregnant
women continue. Anaemia among women of reproductive age (15-49 years) is a matter of national concern. This study was carried
out to assess determinants of anaemia in Kiboga district.
Methods: This was a single cross-sectional, descriptive survey. The anaemia status of the pregnant women was determined by
measuring their haemoglobin levels. Possible determinant factors including socio-economic characteristics, knowledge, attitudes,
practices and food intake were assessed using a structured questionnaire.
Results: Results showed that the prevalence of anaemia among pregnant women in Kiboga district was high enough (63.1%) to be
described as a severe public health problem. The uptake and utilisation of the public-health intervention package to combat
anaemia in pregnancy was low, with iron/folic acid supplementation at 13.2%, use of intermittent preventive treatment of malaria
45.4%, and use of de-worming medicines 14.5%. Women from households without a functional radio were 2.07 times more likely
be anaemic (95%CI, 1.08-3.00) compared with women from households where there was a functional radio. There was little
awareness and functional knowledge about anaemia among pregnant women.
Conclusion: The high prevalence of anaemia observed in Kiboga district can be attributed to poverty and limited access to
nutrition and health education information which lead to low uptake and utilization of the public-health intervention package to
combat anaemia in pregnancy.