Prevalence and Factors Associated with Anaemia in Pregnancy among Antenatal Attendants at the Mampong Municipal Hospital.

Abstract

Anaemia in pregnancy remains a major public health concern, particularly in resource-limited settings. This study assessed the prevalence and associated factors of anaemia among pregnant women attending antenatal care at the Mampong Municipal Hospital. A cross-sectional study design was employed, involving 381 participants. A structured questionnaire was designed to collect data from pregnant women. The findings revealed a high prevalence of anaemia (60.6%), with severe anaemia (23.6%) being the most common form. The study identified significant associations between anaemia and socio demographic factors, including age, educational level, occupation, and income. Women aged 35–44 years had the highest prevalence (77.5%), and those with no formal education were at greater risk (85.5%). Also, unemployed women (93.5%) and those earning below 500 GHS per month (93.3%) were disproportionately affected. Advanced statistical analysis, including logistic regression, revealed that women with no formal education had 3.25 times higher odds of anaemia (p=0.006), and unemployed women had 7.12 times higher odds (p=0.001) compared to those employed. Household income was a key determinant, with women earning less than 500 GHS having 5.88 times higher odds of anaemia (p<0.001). Furthermore, nutritional factors significantly influenced anaemia risk, with regular iron-rich food intake showing a protective effect (r = -0.22, p = 0.001) and daily iron supplementation reducing anaemia risk (r = -0.30, p = 0.0005).Antenatal education and healthcare practices also played a role, as women who did not receive iron supplements during ANC visits had nearly twice the odds of anaemia (OR = 1.90, p < 0.001). Lack of adherence to iron supplementation increased the risk significantly (OR = 1.72, p < 0.The study indicates the need for comprehensive interventions, including improved nutrition education, enhanced antenatal care services, and socioeconomic support programmes to mitigate anaemia among pregnant women.