Factors Associated With Anemia In Pregnancy Among Women Attending Antenatal Clinic At The Ngleshie Amanfro Polyclinic, In The Ga South District.

Abstract

Low haemoglobin among pregnant women in developing countries is a serious public health problem. Anaemia in pregnancy is a profound and significant cause of maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence and the factors associated with anaemia among pregnant women attending antenatal clinic (ANC) at the Ngleshie Amanfro Polyclinic. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from 14th October – 23rd November 2021 at the Ngleshie Amanfro Polyclinic. Both primary and secondary data were collected. The data was analysed using STATA v.16. Univariate and bivariate analyses were performed. Out of the 402 women studied, 262(65.01%) were found to be anaemic (Hb< 11.0g/dl) at the time of the study, with a mean Hb of 10.5(0.98 SD) and a range of 8g/dl -13g/dl. However, almost half 163(40.4%) of the women were anaemic on their first visit, with a mean Hb of 11.4g/dl (0.06 SD) and a range of 8g/dl – 13.7g/dl. Women aged 32-36years had an 86% significant reduction in the odds of developing anaemia as compared to those aged 17-21 years (aOR=0.14, 95%CI=0.04-0.52, P<0.05). Women who had secondary and tertiary education had 84% and 95% significant reduction in the odds of developing anaemia (aOR=0.16, 95%CI=0.06-0.43, P<0.001) and (aOR=0.05, 95%CI=0.02-0.16, P<0.001) respectively, as compared to those with no formal education. The odds of developing anaemia among married women was 2 times (aOR=1.99, 95%CI=1.08-3.65, P=0.027) and among women cohabiting was 3.5 times (aOR=3.55, 95%CI=1.71-7.36, P=0.001) the odds of developing anaemia among single women. This was statistically significant. Then women who made 4 or more ANC visits had a 51% significant reduction in the odds of developing anaemia as compared to women who had made less than 4 visits. A multisectoral approach will be required by Ngleshie Amanfro Polyclinic to help address this public health concern of maternal anaemia.