Abstract:
Anaemia in pregnancy is an important public health problem especially in developing countries. It is a major cause of maternal morbidity and mortality, and also has a significant impact on the health of the foetus. The purpose of the current study was to determine the prevalence and risk factors associated with anaemia among pregnant women receiving antenatal care at the Sunyani Municipal Hospital. A cross-sectional study was conducted from May to June, 2015, on 316 pregnant women who attended antenatal care (ANC) at the Sunyani Municipal Hospital. Data on socio demographic and, obstetric characteristics, medical intervention and malaria infection, consumption of iron and iron containing foods of participants were collected using checklist and a structured questionnaire. Also data on haemoglobin level at first and current pregnancy was collected. Data was analyzed descriptively and factors associated with anaemia were assessed. Out of the 316 pregnant women studied, 131(41.5%) were found to be anaemic (Hb<11 g/dl) at the period of interview; with a mean of 11.24g/dl and range from 8.10g/dl to 14.5g/dl. One hundred and sixteen (80.9%) were mildly anaemic (Hb: 9.0—10.9g/dl), 25(19.1%) were moderately anaemic (Hb: 7.0 – 8.9g/dl). The prevalence of anaemia was (44.30%) in pregnant women who made the recommended four antenatal visits. Age of pregnant woman COR 0.26(0.10 – 0.70) p=0.007, gestational age at first visit AOR 1.92 (1.14 – 3.23) P =0.014, malaria infection AOR 0.47 (0.25 – 0.90) P =0.021, consumption of fish and snails COR 0.30 (0.11 – 0.820) p =0.02, occupation COR 3.0 (1.07 – 8.40) p = 0.037 and number of ANC visit COR 0.04 (0.27 – 0.96) P=0.04 were significants determinant of anaemia in pregnancy.
The prevalence of anaemia in antenatal care attendees of Sunyani Municipal Hospital is high. Educating women on early antenatal booking, age of pregnancy, occupation, prevention and treatment of malaria infection and dietary advice should be emphasized more strongly in the antenatal care unit
