Open AccessThe prevalence of anemia and iron deficiency among pregnant Ghanaian women, a longitudinal study
Author(s) -
Ruth Pobee,
Jacob Setorglo,
Moses Kwashie Klevor,
Laura E. MurrayKolb
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
plos one
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.99
H-Index - 332
ISSN - 1932-6203
DOI - 10.1371/journal.pone.0248754
Subject(s) - anemia , pregnancy , medicine , transferrin saturation , iron deficiency anemia , hemoglobin , total iron binding capacity , ferritin , iron deficiency , serum iron , population , gestational age , physiology , obstetrics , environmental health , biology , genetics
Background Gestational 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. Objective To determine the prevalence of anemia and ID across pregnancy in the Central Region of Ghana. Methods Women were recruited during their 1 st trimester of pregnancy (< 13 weeks; n = 116) and followed through to their 2 nd (n = 71) and 3 rd (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 1 st trimester iron status. Results Participants 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 1 st , 2 nd and 3 rd trimesters, respectively. Significant changes in Hb, Ft and TIBC occurred across time. Iron status at 1 st trimester had a significant effect on 2 nd but not 3 rd trimester iron status. Conclusions ID is prevalent in pregnant Ghanaian women, especially during the 3 rd trimester. Anemia is a major public health problem during pregnancy in Ghana with a significant proportion due to factors other than ID.