Socio-Cultural Determinants of Anaemia in Pregnancy Amongst Ante-Natal Clinic Women at Tamale Technical University Hospital, Ghana

Abstract

Background: Anaemia during pregnancy continues to be a notable global public health issue, especially in underdeveloped areas. Anaemia is frequently linked to negative consequences for both pregnant mothers and their babies, such as higher chances of giving birth prematurely, having low birth weight, and maternal and fetal death. Despite the continuous effort to tackle this problem by enhancing healthcare facilities and implementing nutritional programmes, the incidence of anaemia during pregnancy persists at a concerning level in numerous regions. Methods: The study design used in this research was a quantitative cross-sectional study among pregnant women who attended antenatal care at Tamale Technical University Hospital from December 2023 to March 2024. A total of 183 consenting participants were sampled, with questionnaires and antenatal records books used as major instruments for data collection. Results: The prevalence of anemia among study participants was 59%. A Chi-square analysis revealed a strong correlation of clinical significance between the current hemoglobin level and the educational level (P = 0.029), parity (P = 0.032), gestational age (P = 0.029), number of meals eaten per day (P = 0.013), and sleeping under a long-lasting insecticide net (P = 0.041). Conclusion: Anaemia prevalence in pregnancy was affected by socio-cultural factors that determine women's health-seeking behaviours, dietary habits, and access to healthcare resources. Critical socio-cultural factors, including educational attainment, social status, traditional beliefs, and familial structure, significantly influence women's susceptibility to anaemia during pregnancy. Moreover, socio-economic obstacles, such as poverty, can restrict access to adequate nutrition and healthcare measures, hence intensifying the incidence of anaemia. Conventional behaviours, such as a preference for herbal medications thus exercebate anaemia prevalence.