Prevalence, Morphological Classification, and Determinants of Anaemia among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Care at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital
Sr No:
Page No:
7-27
Language:
English
Authors:
Aquel Rene Lopez*, Nana Akosua Ayisibea Offei, Akwasi Afriyie Achampong, Julia Kwakoa Karikari
Received:
2025-10-18
Accepted:
2025-12-03
Published Date:
2025-12-13
Abstract:
Background: Anaemia in pregnancy remains a pressing public health concern in low- and
middle-income countries. This study assessed the prevalence, morphological classification, and
associated risk factors of anaemia among pregnant women attending antenatal care at Korle Bu
Teaching Hospital, Ghana.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 297 pregnant women.
Sociodemographic, clinical, and dietary data were collected using structured questionnaires.
Haematological parameters were analyzed to classify anaemia morphologically. Associations
between anaemia and various risk factors were explored using logistic regression.
Results: The prevalence of anaemia was 47.8%, with normocytic normochromic anaemia being
the most common type (62.7%), followed by microcytic hypochromic (34.5%) and macrocytic
anaemia (2.8%). Anaemia was significantly associated with the second trimester, short
interpregnancy intervals (≤2 years), self-reported infections, poor knowledge about anaemia,
physically strenuous work, and inadequate folate supplementation. Folic acid use was
protective, reducing the odds of anaemia by 72%. While most participants had inadequate
intake of iron- and vitamin-rich foods, only folate deficiency was significantly linked to
anaemia risk. Morphological patterns revealed that microcytic hypochromic anaemia correlated
more with nutritional deficiencies, while normocytic anaemia was associated with infections
and gestational stage.
Conclusion: Anaemia in pregnancy at this tertiary facility is common, with multifactorial
causes involving infections, short birth spacing, poor nutritional status, and inadequate
supplementation. Targeted interventions including early antenatal care, nutritional support,
infection prevention, and education on anaemia risks are essential to mitigate its burden.
Keywords:
Fungal infections, Dermatophytosis, Superficial mycoses, Skin infections, Hair infections, Nail infections, Etiology, Epidemiology, Treatment, Prevention.