High burden of anemia among pregnant women in Tanzania: a call to address its determinants

Abstract Background Anemia in pregnancy is behind a significant burden of maternal mortality and poor birth outcomes globally. Efforts to address it need evidence on trends its pertinent factors as they vary from one area another. Methods We pooled data 23,203 women reproductive age whose hemoglobin levels were measured two Tanzania Demographic Health Surveys (TDHS). Of them, 2,194 pregnant. Analyses employed descriptive analyses determine the anemia, characteristics, severity; GIS mapping regional changes anemia between 2005 2015; logistic regression remaining determinants among pregnant using Stata 15. Results The has remained unprecedently high, varies regions. There was no decline general periods after adjusting for individual, households, reproductive, child characteristics [AOR = 0.964, 95% CI 0.774–1.202, p 0.747). currently prevalent 57% Tanzania. prevalence more likely be higher aged 15–19 years than those 20–34 years. It within large families, with formal education, food insecurity, lack health insurance, had antimalaria during pregnancy, low frequency ANC attendance. On other hand, delivery facility may potentially protective against anemia. Conclusions persistently high are crucial focused regions increasing women. imperative important risk such strengthening universal coverage, empowering education especially nutritional knowledge advocating early antenatal booking, attendance, delivery.