Predictive Factors of Anaemia in Women in a Ghanaian Rural District

Background: Anaemia is a condition of public health concern worldwide especially in developing countries. Anaemia falls in the top ten causes of morbidity in Ghana with a nationwide prevalence of about 45%. A rural district (Shai-Osudoku District), close to the capital city in Ghana, recorded a progressive increase in prevalence of anaemia from the year 2011, with the incidence higher in older women than men of the same age group. This study sought to determine the factors associated with anaemia in women in a rural district in Ghana.

Methods: To identify the factors contributing to anaemia in older women at Shai-Osudoku District, a cross sectional study was carried out from May to June 2014. Two hundred and eighty three women, systematically sampled, were interviewed using a structured validated questionnaire, and data were obtained on the socio-demographics of the study respondents, lifestyle information and the dietary patterns with a food frequency table. Capillary blood was also obtained from respondents for haemoglobin check using a standardized Haemo Cue kit and the definition and categorization of anaemia done using the WHO Criteria. The data obtained were analysed.

Results: The ages of respondents ranged from 50-94years and their mean haemoglobin level was 11.5g/dL (CI: 11.30-11.64). The prevalence of anaemia in the population was 63% (CI: 0.57-0.68) at 95% confidence level. By logistic regression analysis, the following factors were found to be independently associated with anaemia at 95% confidence level at the study District: Respondents not working OR 2.60 95% CI(1.27-5.32); respondents who depended on family and friends or pension benefits as their main source of income OR: 1.94 95% CI (1.12-3.35); respondents who had change in eating pattern OR:0. 55 95% CI (0. 32-0.97); no loss of weight (OR:0.51(CI:0.29-0.90)) and occasional consumption of fruits OR:2.21 95% CI (1.07- 4.55)). Having adjusted for other variables, factors found to be significantly associated were; respondents not working (p =0.01), respondents with no weight loss (p = 0.03) and the occasional consumption of fruits (p = 0.04).

Conclusion: The risk factors associated with anaemia among women in the study area were poor intake of fruits and non-working status. There is therefore the need to intensify education on healthy eating, including daily intake of fruits.