ANAEMIA AND COMORBIDITIES IN PREGNANT WOMEN ROUTINELY SUPPLEMENTED WITH HAEMATINICS – A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY AT THE AWUTU MUNICIPALITY OF GHANA

Abstract

Background:Anaemia, thrombocytopenia and cardiovascular disease are major public health problems especially in women of childbearing age and have significant effect on pregnancy outcomes. Supplementation with haematinics such as iron, folic acid and/or multivitamins in pregnancy is targeted at reducing the incidence and/ or severity of anaemia, however, these also influence platelet production and occurrence of obesity. Aim: The aim of the study was to assess anaemia, prolonged bleeding tendency and cardiometabolic risk in pregnant women routinely supplemented with haematinics, attending the Kasoa Polyclinic at the Awutu municipality of Ghana. Methods: The study was a cross-sectional design involving consented pregnant women who were routinely administered haematinic supplements such as iron and folic acid, from their first antenatal visit at the hospital. Socio-demographic data was collected using structured questionnaires. In addition, anthropometrics including body mass index (BMI) was obtained. EDTA anticoagulated venous blood samples were obtained for haemoglobin (Hb) and platelet count estimation using automated full blood count analyzer (Sysmex XP 300, USA). Bleeding time assay and stained thin blood films were examined for platelet disorders. The data was analyzed using SPSS version 22.0, and p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The prevalence of anaemia was 53 (51.4%), with 26 (25.2%)-mild and 27 (26.2%)-moderate cases. Likewise, 39 (37.9%) were overweight whereas 40 (38.8%) were obese, whereas 4 (3.9%) had thrombocytopenia. Among the pregnant women utilizing the antenatal care, 98 (95%) confirmed absolute compliance with the haematinic supplementation schedule. Employment and education were significantly associated with compliance. Anaemia prevalence was significantly associated with thrombocytopenia in the pregnant women. Conclusion: The study revealed that although there was high compliance with the haematinic supplementation, the prevalence of anaemia was high and was associated with thrombocytopenia and cardiometabolic risk.