Determinants of Iron Deficiency Anaemia among non-pregnant women of reproductive age in Malawi: A cross sectional study

Abstract

Abstract In Malawi, the prevalence of Iron Deficiency Anaemia (IDA) among women of reproductive age is 8%. There is lack of up-to-date information on factors associated with IDA among women of reproductive age in Malawi. This cross sectional study aimed at identifying factors that are associated with IDA among non-pregnant women of reproductive age in Malawi using secondary data from the Malawi Micronutrient Survey, a sub study of the Malawi Demographic and Health Survey, 2015-16. A total of 751 non-pregnant women aged 15–49 years were included in the final analysis. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis were carried to analyse the data. The study found IDA prevalence of 7.19% and was statistically associated with age of the woman, type of residence (rural/urban), contraceptive use, BMI, and region. In the multivariate analysis, age (40–49) years (OR = 4.37, CI = 1.72–11.09) was significantly associated with increased odds of IDA while rural residence (OR = 0.29, CI = 0.14–0.57), using injectable contraceptives (OR = 0.18, CI = 0.05–0.64), and overweight (OR = 0.48, CI = 0.16–1.40) showed a protective effect against IDA. There is need to scale up family planning services especially use of injectables. Women living in urban areas should be encouraged to consume food rich in iron. Health education on nutrition and dietary modification should be fostered.