ABSTRACT

Background: Anaemia during pregnancy remains a major public health problem worldwide, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. It contributes significantly to maternal morbidity, adverse pregnancy outcomes, and increased risk of maternal and neonatal mortality. Despite ongoing interventions, the burden of anaemia among pregnant women in Cameroon remains high. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence, nutritional determinants, and risk factors of anaemia among pregnant women attending antenatal care at Limbe Regional Hospital.

Method: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was carried out among 100 pregnant women attending antenatal care at Limbe Regional Hospital. Participants were selected using a convenient sampling technique. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire covering socio-demographic characteristics, obstetric history, nutritional practices, and risk factors associated with anaemia. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, while Chi-square tests were used to determine associations between selected variables and anaemia prevalence. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.

Results: The study found that 54.0% of the pregnant women were anaemic, while 46.0% were non-anaemic. Mild anaemia was the most common form, accounting for 44.0% of cases, followed by moderate anaemia (8.0%) and severe anaemia (2.0%). Most respondents consumed at least three meals daily (72.0%), 56.0% consumed fish, meat, or liver daily, and 68.0% reported taking iron and folic acid supplements. Significant factors associated with anaemia included gravidity (p = 0.028), iron and folic acid supplementation (p = 0.001), history of malaria during pregnancy (p < 0.001), use of insecticide-treated mosquito nets (p = 0.006), intake of green leafy vegetables (p = 0.010), and consumption of tea or coffee after meals (p = 0.003). Educational level was also significantly associated with anaemia (p = 0.033).

Conclusion: The prevalence of anaemia among pregnant women attending antenatal care at Limbe Regional Hospital was high, indicating that anaemia remains a major maternal health concern. Nutritional practices, malaria-related factors, and maternal characteristics significantly influenced the occurrence of anaemia. Strengthening nutrition education, promoting iron and folic acid supplementation, enhancing malaria prevention measures, and ensuring routine screening during antenatal care are essential for reducing the burden of anaemia among pregnant women.

Key words: Anaemia, Pregnancy, Nutritional determinants, Risk factors, Antenatal care, Limbe Regional Hospital, Cameroon.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

Anemia is a condition where your body doesn’t have enough healthy red blood cells to carry adequate oxygen to your tissues. Anemia is a significant public health concern globally, affecting approximately 30% of the world’s population, with the highest prevalence in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia (WHO, 2011).

In Cameroon, anemia is a major public health problem, with a prevalence of 47.4% among pregnant women (DMC, 2011). Anemia in pregnancy is associated with adverse maternal and fetal outcomes, including increased risk of preterm labor, low birth weight, and maternal mortality (WHO, 2011).

The Limbe Regional Hospital, located in the Southwest Region of Cameroon, serves a diverse population with varying nutritional statuses. The hospital provides antenatal care services to a significant number of pregnant women, many of whom are at risk of anemia due to factors such as poor dietary habits, limited access to healthcare, and high prevalence of infectious diseases such as malaria and HIV.

Anemia is a condition characterized by a decrease in the number of red blood cells or the amount of hemoglobin in the blood (WHO, 2011). Hemoglobin is a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen to different parts of the body. Anemia can be caused by a variety of factors, including iron deficiency, folate deficiency, vitamin B12 deficiency, and chronic diseases such as malaria and HIV (WHO, 2011).

Iron deficiency is the most common cause of anemia, accounting for approximately 50% of all cases (WHO, 2011). Iron is an essential nutrient for the production of hemoglobin, and iron deficiency can lead to a decrease in the production of red blood cells, resulting in anemia (WHO, 2011). Folate and vitamin B12 are also essential for the production of red blood cells, and deficiencies in these nutrients can also lead to anemia (WHO, 2011).

Pregnant women are at increased risk of anemia due to the increased demand for iron and other nutrients during pregnancy (WHO, 2011). The demand for iron increases during pregnancy due to the increased production of red blood cells and the growth of the fetus (WHO, 2011). In addition, pregnant women may also experience blood loss during delivery, which can further exacerbate anemia (WHO, 2011).

Anemia in pregnancy is associated with adverse maternal and fetal outcomes, including increased risk of preterm labor, low birth weight, and maternal mortality (WHO, 2011). Pre- and postpartum hemorrhage, increased risk of infection, and increased risk of cesarean section are some of the maternal complications associated with anemia in pregnancy (WHO, 2011). Fetal complications include low birth weight, preterm birth, and increased risk of neonatal mortality (WHO, 2011).

The prevalence of anemia among pregnant women in Cameroon is high, with a prevalence of 47.4% reported in a study conducted in Yaoundé (DMC, 2011). Another study conducted in the Northwest Region of Cameroon reported a prevalence of 52.1% (Nkfusai et al., 2017). These studies highlight the need for urgent action to address anemia among pregnant women in Cameroon.

The Limbe Regional Hospital, located in the Southwest Region of Cameroon, serves a diverse population with varying nutritional statuses. The hospital provides antenatal care services to a significant number of pregnant women, many of whom are at risk of anemia due to factors such as poor dietary habits, limited access to healthcare, and high prevalence of infectious diseases such as malaria and HIV.

Despite efforts to control anemia, it remains a major public health problem in Cameroon, with limited data on the nutritional determinants of anemia among pregnant women in Limbe. Understanding the prevalence and nutritional determinants of anemia among pregnant women in Limbe can inform interventions to improve maternal and child health outcomes.

Some key statistics:

Global prevalence of anemia: 30% (WHO, 2011)

Prevalence of anemia among pregnant women in Cameroon: 47.4% (DMC, 2011)

Maternal mortality ratio in Cameroon: 596 deaths per 100,000 live births (WHO, 2015)

Infant mortality rate in Cameroon: 53 deaths per 1,000 live births (WHO, 2015)

These statistics highlight the need for urgent action to address anemia among pregnant women          in Cameroon, particularly in the Limbe Regional Hospital catchment area.

1.2 PROBLEM STATEMENT

 

Anemia is a major public health problem in developing countries, with a prevalence of 30-40% among pregnant women (WHO, 2011). In Cameroon, anemia’s a big problem, especially for pregnant women and kids, due to iron deficiency from poor diets, malaria, limited healthcare access, and cultural practices; tackling it requires awareness, nutrition education, and better healthcare, particularly in rural areas.

Anemia in pregnancy is associated with adverse maternal and fetal outcomes, including increased risk of preterm labor, low birth weight, and maternal mortality (WHO, 2011). Despite efforts to control anemia, it remains a major public health problem in Cameroon, with limited data on the 3 nutritional determinants of anemia among pregnant women in Limbe.

To address anemia in pregnancy, iron and folate supplements are typically prescribed to pregnant women, alongside a nutritious diet rich in iron-rich foods like beans and spinach. In areas where malaria is prevalent, prevention measures are also crucial. Regular antenatal check-ups help screen and treat underlying causes, reducing risks of preterm labour, low birth weight, and maternal mortality. Consult a healthcare provider for personalized care and guidance throughout pregnancy.

1.3 RATIONALE

Anemia in pregnancy increases risks for both mom and baby, including maternal fatigue, poor outcomes, and mortality, as well as fetal preterm birth, low birth weight, and developmental issues, often caused by iron or folate deficiency, malaria, or nutritional gaps; prevention and treatment with supplements and diet can significantly reduce these complications

Understanding the prevalence and nutritional determinants of anemia among pregnant women in Limbe can inform interventions to improve maternal and child health outcomes. This study aims to provide valuable information for healthcare providers, policymakers, and stakeholders to develop targeted strategies to reduce anemia prevalence and improve pregnancy outcomes.

1.4 Research Questions

1. What is the prevalence of anemia among pregnant women attending antenatal care at Limbe Regional Hospital?
2. What are the nutritional determinants of anemia among pregnant women attending antenatal care at Limbe Regional Hospital?
3. What are the risk factors associated with anemia amongst women attending the antenatal unit in Limbe regional hospital?

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