Iron deficiency anaemia and its associated risk factors among lactating mothers in Ghana

Background: Anaemia is one of the most common conditions affecting human physiology. Iron deficiency, with or without anaemia, reduces the working capacity of individuals and the entire population. The aim of the study was to establish the prevalence of anaemia; iron deficiency anaemia using serum ferritin levels and factors associated with iron deficiency anaemia among lactating mothers in the district. Materials & methods: This study was conducted at St. Elizabeth Hospital, Hwidiem in the Ahafo Region of Ghana. Full blood count analysis, serum ferritin, malaria and other measurements such as Body Mass Index (BMI) and diet assessment were done for all the participants. A structured questionnaire was used to collect information on risk factors and demographic characteristics. p>0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The overall prevalence of iron-deficiency anaemia among lactating mothers was 26%. The bivariate analysis showed 13 (50%) positive malaria participants (p = 0.011), 5 (63%) who experience loss of appetite most times (p = 0.003), 17(50%) participants who had no access to regular meal (p = 0.001), four or less antenatal visit (p = 0.004), once a week intake of meat and sea foods (p = 0.001), cereal and legumes intake 2-4 a day (p = 0.044) were associated with iron deficiency anaemia. Conclusion: IDA prevalence of 26% during lactation may be due to infant iron demands in breast milk. Measures must therefore be put in place for a thorough examination of anaemia in this population which should include the assessment of iron biomarkers and not just haemoglobin levels.