The prevalence of anemia and iron deficiency among pregnant Ghanaian women, a longitudinal study

Abstract

Background Gestational iron deficiency (ID) can be deleterious to mother and fetus. However, iron status is not routinely measured during pregnancy in Ghana. Therefore, the scope of ID in this population is unknown. Objective To determine the prevalence of anemia and ID across pregnancy in the Central Region of Ghana. Methods Women were recruited during their 1st trimester of pregnancy (< 13 weeks; n = 116) and followed through to their 2nd (n = 71) and 3rd (n = 71) trimesters. Data on socio-demographic variables, weekly intake of iron-rich foods and vitamin C-rich fruits were collected. Blood samples were drawn and the concentrations of hemoglobin (Hb), ferritin (Ft), serum iron (sFe), total iron binding capacity (TIBC), were measured; transferrin saturation (TSAT) was calculated. Repeated measures ANOVA was used to determine change in anemia and iron variables over time with groups categorized by 1st trimester iron status. Results Participants were 27.1 ± 5.2 years, on average. Prevalence of anemia (Hb <11.0 g/dL) was 37%, 63%, 58%; ID (Ft <15 μg/L) was 16%, 20%, 38%; and iron deficiency anemia (IDA; based on low Ft and Hb) was 6%, 12%, 25% in 1st, 2nd and 3rd trimesters, respectively. Significant changes in Hb, Ft and TIBC occurred across time. Iron status at 1st trimester had a significant effect on 2nd but not 3rd trimester iron status. Conclusions ID is prevalent in pregnant Ghanaian women, especially during the 3rd trimester. Anemia is a major public health problem during pregnancy in Ghana with a significant proportion due to factors other than ID.

Improved income status increased obesity and decreased anemia risk compared to high parity and low-income in pregnant south Ghanaian women: Analysis of hospital-acquired data

“…Ethnicity was an unmodifiable risk factor for overweight/obesity and anemia in pregnant women across the study regions. The residents of the Central region, most of whom were of the Akan ethnic origin, had the highest proportion of AIP consistent with a recent study in the region [47]. The Ewes who are predominantly domiciled in the Volta region came second following Central regional record of anemia.…”

High levels of depressive symptoms and low quality of life are reported during pregnancy in Cape Coast, Ghana; a longitudinal study

“…We conducted a longitudinal study among pregnant women in the Cape Coast, Ghana; details of the study have been described elsewhere [ 45 ]. In brief, women were recruited during their first trimester of pregnancy (< 13 weeks; n = 116) and followed through to their 2 nd (13–27 weeks; n = 71) and 3 rd (28–36 weeks; n = 71) trimesters.…”

Clinical and laboratory presentation of first-time antenatal care visits of pregnant women in Ghana, a hospital-based study

“…However, this study could not assess the dietary information before pregnancy. Our study results were comparable to the findings by Acheampong et al ., [ 23 ] and Pobee et al ., [ 24 ] who found the prevalence of anemia in pregnancy to be more than 50% and 63% in Ghana, respectively and Awoyesku et al ., [ 25 ] who found 60% of anemia in pregnant women in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. The results were however contrary to some other studies conducted in Switzerland (18.5%) [ 26 ] and China (19.9%) [ 27 ], emphasizing the relationship between income level and anemia in pregnancy.…”