Prevalence and associated factors of postpartum anemia after cesarean delivery in public hospitals of Awi zone, North West Ethiopia, 2023; a cross-sectional study

What is it about?

This study aimed to assess the prevalence and associated factors of postpartum anemia after cesarean delivery in public hospitals of Awi zone, North West Ethiopia, 2023. A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 395 mothers who gave birth by cesarean delivery from May 1–30, 2023. Data were collected using a pretested checklist. A simple random sampling technique was used to select study participants. Then the data were entered into EPI-data version 4.6 and exported to the SPSS version 25 for analysis. A logistic regression model was fitted to assess the association between outcome and explanatory variables. Variables with a p-value of 0.25 or less in bivariable analysis were candidates for multivariable analysis and P-value < 0.05 in multivariable analysis was considered to declare a result as statistically significant in this study.

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Why is it important?

Several studies have been conducted on anemia during pregnancy [21–23]. However, these studies have provided limited information about the prevalence of postpartum anemia especially among women undergoing cesarean section, even when global trends show increasing cesarean section rates. In light of this, little is known regarding postpartum anemia among postpartum women in Ethiopia, particularly among women undergoing cesarean section, which has not been studied. So, this study might provide insight into postpartum anemia to healthcare providers to propose targeted screening and intervention measures for those whose hemoglobin level <11 gm/dl. The study will also provide baseline data for policymakers concerned governmental entities, nongovernmental organizations, and other concerned stakeholders to plan and act to prevent and minimize postpartum anemia after cesarean section. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and associated factors of postpartum anemia after Cesarean delivery in public hospitals of Awi zone, North West Ethiopia, 2023.