FACTORS INFLUENCING THE USE OF ANEMIA PREVENTING MEASURES AMONG ANTENATAL CLINIC ATTENDANTS IN THE KINTAMPO NORTH MUNICIPALITY

ABSTRACT

Background: Anemia in pregnancy is a major public health problem that affects pregnant women in both developing and developed countries but pregnant women in developing countries are mostly affected. An estimated 41.8% of pregnant women worldwide are anemic. The World Health Organization has put in place some measures to help prevent anemia during pregnancy, which requires countries to integrate into their antenatal care. This study aimed at determining the factors influencing the use of all anemia preventing measures among antenatal clinic attendants in the Kintampo North Municipality.

Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted among antenatal clinic (ANC) attendants in the Kintampo North Municipality from May to June 2017. Purposive sampling technique was use to enroll 171 pregnant women at 36 weeks gestation and above in seven ANCs in the Municipality. Demographic data and information on use of all interventions were obtained from eligible participants using a structured questionnaire. Factors associated with use of the interventions were identified using multiple logistic regression.

Results: The use of all anemia preventing interventions among pregnant women was found to be 30%. Usage of iron supplements was 100%, while usage of ITNs and antihelminthics were 73% and 29% respectively. Use of more than three doses of IPTp with SP was 73%. Factors associated with use of the interventions at 95% CI were parity (OR = 3.54; CI 1.97 – 6.37), employment status (OR = 5.51; CI 2.32 – 13.09), gestational age at first visit (OR = 0.28; 95% CI 0.14 – 0.59) and frequency of subsequent visits

(OR= 0.18; CI 0.04 - 0.92). Availability of antihelminthics in the facility was strongly associated in the chi-square test (x2 (1) = 10.86, p = 0.001)

Conclusion: The study identified that use of all anemia preventing measures among pregnant women is quite low. Provision of anthelminthics to ANCs and health education on the benefits of the use of the interventions would be productive.