Prevalence of Anemia and Hemoglobinopathies among Newborns and Delivery Mothers at the University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Northwest

Baye Gelaw , Berhanu Woldu , Habtamu Wondifraw , Melak Aynalem , Yemataw Gelaw , Sileshi Ayele
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.20372/ejhbs.1197
Submitted: 2026-03-24 13:26:50
Published: 2026-06-30

Background: Neonatal and maternal anemia are important public health concerns, particularly in low- and middle-income countries such as Ethiopia. Early screening for anemia and hemoglobinopathies, including sickle cell disease, can facilitate timely diagnosis and intervention. However, evidence on newborn screening for anemia and sickle cell disease in Ethiopia is limited. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of anemia among newborns and delivery mothers and to assess the prevalence of hemoglobinopathies, including sickle cell disease, among newborns.

Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted from September 2025 to January 2026. A total of 583 mother–newborn pairs were screened for anemia, while 1,000 newborns were screened for hemoglobinopathies. Participants were recruited using a convenience sampling technique. Socio-demographic, clinical, nutritional, and behavioral data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Maternal nutritional status was assessed using mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC). Cord blood and maternal capillary blood samples were collected to determine hemoglobin levels using the HemoSmart Gold Hemoglobin Screening Meter. Hemoglobinopathies were assessed among newborns using standard screening procedures. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the data, and bivariable and multivariable binary logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with anemia. Statistical significance was declared at p < 0.05.

Results: The prevalence of anemia among newborns was 18.9%, with a slightly higher prevalence (21.1%) among low-birth-weight newborns. Overall, 14.4% of newborns had abnormal hemoglobin patterns suggestive of other hemoglobinopathies or thalassemia or other hemoglobinopathies associated with thalassemia; however, neither sickle cell disease nor sickle cell trait was detected. Neonatal anemia was independently associated with lack of maternal folic acid or vitamin B supplementation (p < 0.001), maternal use of traditional medicine during pregnancy (p = 0.015), and severe acute maternal malnutrition (p = 0.004). Among delivery mothers, the prevalence of anemia was 54.7%, while 8.3% were malnourished. Maternal anemia was significantly associated with occupation (p = 0.030), history of traditional medicine use (p = 0.012), and mode of delivery (p = 0.026).

Conclusion: Maternal anemia remains a severe public health problem, while neonatal anemia represents a moderate public health burden in the study setting. Although sickle cell disease and sickle cell trait were not detected, the relatively high prevalence of other hemoglobinopathies warrants further investigation. Routine screening of newborns and delivery mothers for anemia and hemoglobinopathies should be considered to enable early detection and appropriate management, particularly in high-burden settings.

Keywords

Anemia hemoglobinopathies newborns Delivery mothers

Authors

Baye Gelaw

Department of Medical Microbiology, SBLS, CMHS, UOG (Professor)

Berhanu Woldu

Department of Hematology and Immunohematology, SBLS, CMHS, UOG

Habtamu Wondifraw

Department of Clinical Chemistry, SBLS, CMHS, UOG  (Assi/ Professor)

Melak Aynalem

Department of Hematology and Immunohematology, SBLS, CMHS, UOG (Lecturer)

Yemataw Gelaw

Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, CMHS, UOG (Assi/ Professor)

Sileshi Ayele

Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, School of Medicine, CMHS, UOG  (Assi/ Professor)

How to Cite

Baye Gelaw, Berhanu Woldu, Habtamu Wondifraw, Melak Aynalem, Yemataw Gelaw, Sileshi Ayele (2026-06-30). Prevalence of Anemia and Hemoglobinopathies among Newborns and Delivery Mothers at the University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Northwest. Ethiopian Journal of Health and Biomedical Sciences, Vol. 16 No. 1 (2026), 17-32. https://doi.org/10.20372/ejhbs.1197

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