Prevalence and determinants of anaemia during third trimester of pregnancy: a retrospective cohort study of women in the northern region of Ghana

Abstract

ABSTRACT Anemia during the third trimester of pregnancy is linked to adverse maternal and fetal outcomes. This retrospective cohort study estimated the prevalence of anemia and its determinants among third-trimester pregnant women in Ghana’s northern region. We analyzed 359 pregnant women aged 18–48, drawn at random from 12 health facilities in the Tatale-Sanguli and Zabzugu districts. A questionnaire collected demographic, obstetric, as well as data on medical interventions. Data on hemoglobin (Hb) levels in the third trimester of pregnancy were gathered from antenatal care (ANC) records. Logistic regression models identified the determinants of anemia during the third trimester. The average age was 28.2 (±6.2 years), and their average Hb level in the third trimester was 10.3 ± 1.1 g/dL. There were 259 women whose Hb values indicated anemia, giving a prevalence of 72.1% (95% CI: 67.3–76.6). Among these, 4 (1%), 108 (42%), and 147 (57%) had severe, moderate, and mild anemia, respectively. Anemia status at first ANC registration (aOR = 1.97; 95% CI: 1.14–3.41) and exposure to information on anemia (aOR = 2.85; 95% CI: 1.10–7.43) were strong determinants. Anemia prevalence is high among third-trimester pregnant women in the study area. Strategies implemented to control anemia should be intensified to prevent maternal and neonatal adverse outcomes.