Assessing The Determinants Of Anaemia Among Pregnant Teenagers In La Nkwantanang, Madina.

Abstract

Introduction: Anemia in pregnancy is an important public health problem associated with increased maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. The World Health Organization revealed that more than half of all women living in developing countries are anemic. Teenage girls are confronted with lots of health threats during pregnancy and childbirth, prominent amongst these health threats is anaemia. Aims: The aim of the study is to determine the prevalence of anemia and its determinants among pregnant teenagers utilizing the health facilities in La Nkwantanang, Madina of the Greater Accra region. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted among pregnant teenagers who utilized ANC services at Pentecost Hospital at La Nkwantanang, Madina in the Greater Accra region. A structured questionnaire was used to obtain socio-demographic, knowledge on the risk of anaemia during pregnancy as well as their level of adherence to iron preparations. Data was analyzed using STATA 14. Results: The study recruited a total of 389 pregnant teenagers. The prevalence of anaemia among the pregnant teenagers was 69%, likewise malaria parasites were observed in 68.3% of the pregnant teenagers. Fifty-four percent of the respondents had a high knowledge of risk of anemia. Thirty-five percent had moderate knowledge while 11 % had a low level of knowledge. Age and Educational level of the participants was significantly associated with the level of knowledge of risk of anemia. 85% of the respondents reported they were on iron supplements while 58 (15%) said they did not take iron supplement.

Conclusion: The study reports a high prevalence of anaemia among pregnant teenagers. High level of knowledge of risk of anaemia in pregnancy and high adherence to iron supplementation was also observed.