Risk factors of anaemia among postpartum women in Bolgatanga Municipality, Ghana.

Introduction: Anaemia is a major public health problem affecting women of reproductive age globally. This study was conducted to assess the prevalence and determinants of anaemia among postpartum women in Bolgatanga Municipality, Ghana.

Methods: The study employed an analytical cross-sectional study design to recruit 405 women who delivered in the last 6 weeks from 9 health facilities in the Municipality. Data were collected on socio-demographic characteristics, obstetric characteristics, dietary diversity, knowledge on iron-folic acid (IFA), iron and anaemia, and haemoglobin level of the women. Postpartum anaemia (PPA) was defined as hemoglobin < 12 g/dl. Chi-square and logistic regression analysis were used to identify the determinants of PPA.

Results: The mean age of the participants was 27.4 ± 5.3 years and 46.70% of them had PPA. The risk factors of PPA were not meeting dietary diversity [Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) = 2.96; 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 1.67-5.25], low knowledge on IFA, iron and anaemia (AOR = 3.03; 95% CI: 1.67-5.25), and first trimester pregnancy anaemia (AOR = 10.39; 95% CI: 1.32-6.95). Kusasi ethnicity was protective of PPA (AOR = 0.35; CI: 0.16-0.75).

Conclusion: Anaemia is prevalent in postpartum women in Bolgatanga Municipality and its risk factors are dietary diversity, knowledge on IFA, iron and anaemia, pregnancy anaemia and ethnicity. Nutrition counselling and intervention in pregnancy and after delivery are warranted to reduce the burden of anaemia in this population.