DETERMINANTS OF ANAEMIA IN PREGNANCY AT THE ANTENATAL CLINIC OF A MUNICIPAL HOSPITAL, GHANA
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Abstract
Background: Anaemia, defined by low blood haemoglobin concentration, is a major public health problem, especially in developing countries. Pregnant women are most vulnerable to anaemia due to factors including parasitic infection and feeding habits leading to increased maternal morbidity and mortality, as well as adverse effects on foetal health.
Aim: The study aims to assess the prevalence of anaemia and identify associated factors among pregnant women receiving antenatal care at the Ho Municipal Hospital.
Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted among 360 pregnant women from February to March, 2021. Data on factors and haemoglobin levels at current pregnancy were collected using a structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed using EXCEL and STATA 14 software employing bivariate and multivariate regression analyses to determine odd ratios at a 95% confidence level.
Results: Of the 360 women interviewed, 296 (82.2%) were anaemic with haemoglobin levels below 11 g/dl and a mean concentration of 9.72 g/dl. Among the anaemic women, 178(49.44%) had mild anaemia, 114(31.67%) were moderately anaemic, and 4 (1.12%) were severely anaemic. Maternal age (OR: 3.0, 95% CI: 1.55-5.8, p<0.001) and pregnancy trimester (OR: 11.59, 95% CI: 5.0-26.5, p<0.001) were significant predictors of anaemia in pregnancy.
Conclusions: The prevalence of anaemia among antenatal care attendees at Ho Municipal Hospital was high compared to the WHO classifications. Efforts should be directed to educating women about iron supplementation, the impact of maternal age, and the prevention and treatment of malaria during pregnancy. Dietary advice should be incorporated with ANC services. Making iron supplements more accessible and affordable for women of reproductive age who are unable to plan for pregnancies is also essential.
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