Abstract
BackgroundGestational 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.ObjectiveTo determine the prevalence of anemia and ID across pregnancy in the Central Region of Ghana.MethodsWomen 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.ResultsParticipants 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.ConclusionsID 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.
Highlights
Iron deficiency (ID) is known to be the single most prevalent nutrient deficiency in the world, affecting about 2 billion people worldwide [1]
ID is prevalent in pregnant Ghanaian women, especially during the 3rd trimester
The United Nation’s Children Fund (UNICEF) estimated that globally, 50,000 young women die each year in pregnancy and childbirth due to iron deficiency anemia (IDA), and about 40 million pregnant women suffer from ID [2]
Summary
Iron deficiency (ID) is known to be the single most prevalent nutrient deficiency in the world, affecting about 2 billion people worldwide [1]. The United Nation’s Children Fund (UNICEF) estimated that globally, 50,000 young women die each year in pregnancy and childbirth due to iron deficiency anemia (IDA), and about 40 million pregnant women suffer from ID [2]. In many low- and middle-income countries, including Ghana, such assessments are not part of routine care and, data on the prevalence of ID during pregnancy are not available. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that about 38% of pregnant women are anemic worldwide, with 18% in high-income countries and 35–75% in low- and middle-income countries. The most recent Ghana Demographic and Health Survey (GDHS) estimates anemia prevalence to be 45% among pregnant women [8]. The scope of ID in this population is unknown
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
