Prevalence and factors associated with anaemia among pregnant women in Northern Ghana

Globally, anaemia in pregnancy remains a major public health concern, contributing to adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes, including increased risks of preterm birth, low birth weight, and maternal morbidity. The primary objective of this study was to identify factors contributing to anaemia in pregnancy in the Karaga District of the Northern Region of Ghana. A cross-sectional study employing a multistage sampling approach was conducted among 403 pregnant women. Data were collected through a structured, pre-tested questionnaire. No formal dietary assessment tools (e.g., Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) or 24-h recall] were used. Anaemia status was determined from Antenatal Care (ANC) book records and self-reported previous diagnosis during the current pregnancy. Descriptive statistics, and logistic regression analyses were used to identify significant predictors of anaemia using Stata 17 version. The prevalence of anaemia among participants was 44.2% (95% CI 39.25–49.17%). Multivariate logistic regression showed that pregnant women who were not taking any multivitamin supplements were 3.98 times more likely to be anaemic compared to those who were taking them [Adjusted Odds Ratio (AoR) = 3.98; 95% CI 1.95–7.98]. Women who had a previous history of anaemia at their last hospital visit were about five times more likely to be anaemic (AoR = 5.21; 95% CI 2.30–11.82; p < 0.001). Those who did not experience bleeding during pregnancy were 80% less likely to develop anaemia compared to women who reported bleeding episodes (AoR = 0.20; 95% CI 0.04–0.21). Anaemia remains prevalent among pregnant women in the Karaga District, with lack of multivitamin supplementation, previous history of anaemia, and poor nutritional access being associated with the condition. In alignment with Sustainable Development Goal 3 on Good Health and Well-being, specifically Target 3.1 to reduce the global maternal mortality ratio, strengthening nutrition education and anaemia prevention interventions during antenatal care services may help improve maternal health outcomes.