Anaemia and its determinants among reproductive age women (15–49 years) in the Gambia: a multi-level analysis of 2019–20 Gambian Demographic and Health Survey Data

BACKGROUND: Anaemia is among the top list of the contemporarily public health burden in both developed and developing countries, by affecting mainly women's and children's health. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to identify the burden of anaemia and its individual and community level factors among women in The Gambia. METHOD: This study was based on an extensive national survey, Gambian Demographic and Health Survey. A total weighted sample of 5,858 reproductive-age women was included. Because of the hierarchical nature of the DHS data, a multi-level logistic regression model was applied to study individual and community-level factors that may influence anaemia. A 95% confidence interval and a p-value of less than 0.05 were used to declare statistical significance. RESULT: The overall prevalence of anemia was found 44.28% (95% CI 0.43, 0.46). Current users of contraceptives were (AOR = 0.66, 95% CI: (0.55- 0.79)) and currently pregnant (AOR = 1.44. 95% CI: (1.16, 1.81)) less likely and more likely to develop anaemia compared to their counterparts respectively. In addition to this, living in the region of Brikama (AOR = 0.69, 95% CI: (0.50-0.97)) less likely to be exposed to anemia. From community level factor, high distance to the health facilities (AOR = 1.23,95% CI 1.02-1.48) were associated with anemia. CONCLUSION: The study revealed that the burden of anaemia among reproductive age Gambian women was very high. Anaemia was affected by both individual and community levels of factors. Thus, the burden of anaemia could be significantly reduced if pregnant and contraceptive users' women were monitored and encouraged. Increasing the accessibility of health facilities, community mobilization, and awareness enhancement are also advisable.