EVALUATING THE PREVALENCE AND TYPES OF ANEMIA AMONG PREGNANT WOMEN ATTENDING ANTENATAL CARE AT THE NKWEN DISTRICT HOSPITAL BAMENDA

Dr Lukong Hubert Shalanyuy*, Ketunze Idris Acha, Dor Marie Claire Wiydzerla, Chah Peter Nges, Ndikaka Va n nessa E mlah and Fongum Evans Kobbi

ABSTRACT

Background:
Anemia is a condition in which the number of red blood cells or the hemoglobin concentration
w ithin them is lower than normal and consequently their oxygen carrying capacity is insufficient to meet the
body’s physiologic needs. Globally, the World Health Organization (WHO) report of 2011 showed that, while the
prevalence of anemia among women of re productive age was 29.9%, pregnant women are considerably more
burdened, with a prevalence of 38% worldwide. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and types of anemia
among pregnant women attending ANC at the Nkwen district hospital Bamenda (PMI). Meth ods: A cross sectional
study was conducted involving 76 freely consented pregnant women attending antenatal care at Nkwen district
hospital Bamenda (PMI) who were sampled using a simple random sampling technique. Hemoglobin, Red blood
cells and red cell in dices were measured using the automated MINDRAY 280 coulter hematology analyzer,
following all standard procedures. Ethical clearance was obtained from the Regional Delegation of Public Health
for the North West Region. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 21, with statistical significance considered when
p value was less than or equal to 0.05. Results: The study revealed that the majority of pregnant women were aged
18 24 years (39.5%), married (60.5%), had secondary education (52.6%), and were Christians (92.1%). The
overall prevalence of anemia among participants was 39.5%. Anemia was more prevalent in younger women aged
18 24 years (30.2%) and among single women (30.2%) compared to married women (9.2%). Educational level
showed a protective effect, with only 4% of university educated women being anemic, while those with secondary
education accounted for the highest anemia burden (28.9%). Occupational status also influenced anemia
prevalence, with 28.9% of women in the "other" category (such as farmers and traders) being anemic, compared to
just 4% among civil servants. Statistically significant associations were found between anemia and the types of
anemia including iron deficiency (p < 0.001), folic acid deficiency (p < 0.001), and malaria infection (p < 0.001).
Additionally, gestational age showed a significant relationship with anemia (p = 0.002), with the highest prevalence
in the first trimester (22 out of 26 cases). Nutritional habits played a crucial role, as daily consumption of
vegetables (p = 0.00 1) and beans (p = 0.003) were associated with reduced anemia occurence. These findings
highlight key demographic, nutritional, and clinical risk factors associated with anemia in pregnancy in the study
area. Conclusion: Targeted interventions, including ir on supplementation, dietary counseling, and malaria
prevention, are crucial, particularly during the second trimester to address this public health challenge effectively.

Keywords: Anemia, Pregnancy, Prevalence, Iron Deficiency, Gestational Age, Public He alth.