Prevalence and sociodemographic determinants of anemia among ever-married women of reproductive age in Jordan: insights from the 2023 Jordan population and family health survey.

BACKGROUND

Anemia, characterized by low haemoglobin levels, remains a critical public health issue, particularly among women of reproductive age. Despite global advancements in addressing anemia, it continues to be a widespread concern in Jordan. This study aims to examine the prevalence of anemia and the sociodemographic factors associated with it among ever-married women aged 15-49 in Jordan, utilizing data from the 2023 Jordan Population and Family Health Survey (JPFHS).

METHODS

This is a secondary analysis was conducted using data from the 2023 JPFHS. The survey employed a two-stage stratified cluster sampling method to collect comprehensive information on haemoglobin levels, sociodemographic characteristics, and various health-related factors. Anemia was classified into mild, moderate, and severe categories based on WHO guidelines, using hemoglobin levels obtained from capillary blood samples analyzed with portable HemoCue photometers. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was then performed to identify the independent predictors of anemia.

RESULTS

Among the 6,249 participants, the prevalence of anemia was 35.33%, with 1,089 cases of mild anemia, 1,022 moderate cases, and 96 severe cases. The highest incidence of severe and mild anemia was observed in the 45-49 age group (41.1% and 20.2%, respectively). Moderate anemia was most prevalent among women aged 35-39 (21.5%), while the highest proportion of non-anemic participants was found in the 30-34 age group (19.7%). Multivariable analysis showed that women living in northern regions had higher odds of anemia (P < 0.0001). Conversely, overweight (P = 0.03), obesity (P = 0.04), and daily smoking (P = 0.002) were associated with lower odds of anemia.

CONCLUSION

Anemia remains a moderate yet concerning public health issue in Jordan, particularly among underweight women and those in northern regions. The findings emphasize the need for targeted nutritional interventions and region-specific healthcare strategies to address anemia risk. Public health programs should focus on improving dietary intake, especially among underweight women, to mitigate anemia and enhance overall women's health outcomes.