| dc.description.abstract | Anaemia in pregnancy is a Public Health problem globally and particularly in many
developing countries like Kenya. Kajiado District has a high prevalence (58.4%) of
anaemia among the Maasai pregnant women. The main objective of the current study was
to determine factors that influence the prevalence of anaemia in pregnant women aged 15
to 45 years attending antenatal clinic.
A cross-sectional study was conducted 111health facilities in four divisions namely:
Central, Namanga, Mashuru and Isinya. Pregnant women attending antenatal clinic at the
selected health facilities and who met the selection criteria were included, (n=207). A
standard questionnaire was used to record data on demographic and socio-economic
status, food consumption and dietary intake, clinical assessment and laboratory findings
on haemoglobin levels, malarial and intestinal parasites. A 24 hours dietary recall was
conducted in the bomes of a sub-sample, (n=30). Data was analyzed using SPSS version
10 software. Descriptive statistics included measures of central tendency and dispersion
for continuous data and proportions for categorical variations. Inferential statistics were
Chi square tests and ANOYA to determine associations.
The prevalence of anaemia was determined LlSl11ghaemoglobin levels. The average
haemoglobin levels among the Maasai (n=137) was 9.6 g/dl (± =1.97), while the average
haemoglobin levels of the non-Maasai group (n=70) was 10.6 g/dl (± =1.88). The
difference between the two was statistically significant (P<O.Ol). More than half (58.4%)
of the Maasai pregnant women were anaemic, while only (41.6%) of the non-Maasai
group were anaemic (Hb < 10g/dl). The study found a significant association bet ween
Maasai pregnant women who were single with anaemia prevalence. About half (58.3%) or
the Maasai had low Vitamin A intakes. The consumption of dark leafy vegetables and milk
in the non-Maasai group had significant association with anaemia prevalence P<0.05
(0.006) and (0.005) respectively. There was lack of association between parasitic
infections, morbidity patterns and anaemia. However, among the Maasai, there was a
strong association with anaemia prevalence and lack of latrines in the homesteads
P<0.05 (0.436).
Anaemia is prevalent among pregnant Maasai women. Diet and personal hygiene
practices contributed towards anaemia. Health and nutrition education on the importance
of pregnant women attending antenatal clinic and practicing sanitary measures in their
homesteads is necessary. Food preparation methods to improve on the diversification of
diets should be emphasized through cooking demonstrations. | en |
