Prevalence and predisposing factors of Hookworm infection, and Anemia among Pregnant women attending antenatal care in Dawuro zone, southwest Ethiopia, Institution-based cross-sectional study

Abstract Hookworm infection and anemia are significant public health concerns in developing countries, particularly among pregnant women in low-resource settings. These conditions can lead to adverse maternal and fetal outcomes. Objectives This study aimed to assess the prevalence and identify predisposing factors of Hookworm infection and anemia among pregnant women attending antenatal care in Dawuro Zone, Southwest Ethiopia. Methods Institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted from December 2022 to March 2023, among pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in selected public health institutions. A total of 367 participants were selected using systematic random sampling. Data were collected through interviewer-administered questionnaires. Stool samples were collected and examined by direct wet mount and Formol-ether concentration methods to detect Hookworm, and hemoglobin levels were measured using a HemoSmart analyzer. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with Hookworm infection and anemia. Result The total of 367 pregnant women of different age groups and different trimester of pregnancy were diagnosed for presence of Hookworm infection and anemia. The response rate was 100%. The prevalence of Hookworm and anemia among pregnant women was found to be 10.6% and 31.9% respectively with mean hemoglobin concentration of 11.334 + 1.92 gm/dl. Hookworm infection and anemia were significantly associated with walking barefoot (AOR=2.89, 95% CI: 1.27–6.60), poor sanitation practices (AOR=2.89, 95% CI: 1.24–6.74), inadequate supplementation taken (AOR=4.59, 95% CI: 1.8–11.5), and low household income (AOR=7.0, 95% CI: 3.27–14.98).