Predictors of Anaemia Prevalence Among Ghanaian Pregnant Women: A Cross-Sectional Study
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Date
2022
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Sage
Abstract
Anaemia during pregnancy is a major public health concern. Despite its wide scope and adverse effects including increased
maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality, and long-term adverse effects on the newborn, appropriate interventions using
upstream approaches to public health have largely not been implemented. This study investigated the prevalence and associated
factors of anaemia among pregnant women in four health facilities in the Kwabre East Municipality. A cross-sectional survey with
a two-stage sampling technique was conducted on 220 pregnant women who attended antenatal care at the selected health
facilities. Interview-based structured questionnaires were used. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression were used to
identify predictors. The prevalence of anaemia was 11.4%. Few women (25) were anaemic and morphologically, 14 (56%) had
normocytic normochromic anaemia and 9 (36%) had microcytic hypochromic anaemia. Iron deficiency was reported in 19
(8.6%) pregnant women. Independent predictors of anaemia were iron sulphate intake (AOR [95% CI] = 3.16 [1.15, 7.37], ANC
follow-up during pregnancy (AOR [95% CI] = 3.07 [1.59, 7.99], household size of ≥5 (AOR [95% CI] = 3.58 [1.75, 9.52], folic
acid intake (AOR [95% CI] = 5.29 [2.65, 12.39] and the period in pregnancy AOR [95% CI] = ≥36 weeks 3.2 (1.3-4.5). Though
anaemia prevalence has been low in urban areas as previously reported, collaborated healthcare measures that aim at
eradicating the menace are encouraged. Maternal healthcare interventions including the administration of folic acid, regular iron
sulphate intake and intensive education on early ANC are recommended.
Description
This article is published by Sage, 2022 and is also available at DOI: 10.1177/00469580221086919
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Citation
The Journal of Health Care Organization, Provision, and Financing Volume 59: 1–8