ABSTRACT

The study focuses on the prevalence of anemia among pregnant women attending antenatal clinics at Buea Regional Hospital, Cameroon, to identify the extent of the condition and its associated risk factors. Anemia in pregnancy is recognized as a global public health issue, significantly impacting maternal and fetal outcomes, particularly in developing regions. This study aims to examine the prevalence rates, contributing factors, and possible interventions tailored for the Buea context.

The methodology involves a cross-sectional survey of pregnant women attending antenatal clinics, with data collected on hemoglobin levels, dietary intake, healthcare access, and cultural practices. The research also reviews secondary data from hospital records to analyze trends over time and correlation with interventions already in place.

Preliminary results indicate a high prevalence of anemia, surpassing national and regional averages, with major contributing factors including poor dietary practices, limited access to healthcare, and influential cultural beliefs. These findings suggest an urgent need for integrated public health interventions that include nutritional education, improved antenatal care access, and community engagement to address cultural barriers.

The discussion underscores the critical nature of addressing anemia in pregnant women not only for immediate health benefits but also for long-term socio-economic development. It proposes a multifaceted approach involving stakeholders from various sectors to effectively combat maternal anemia in the Buea region.

The study contributes valuable insights into the public health challenges faced by pregnant women in Cameroon and proposes actionable strategies for health authorities to improve maternal and fetal health outcomes in the Buea region.

Chapter One: Introduction

1.1 Background of the Study

The prevalence of anemia among pregnant women attending antenatal clinics is a significant public health concern globally, particularly in developing regions like Buea, Cameroon. This background study aims to understand the extent and implications of this condition to inform better healthcare practices and interventions.

Anemia in pregnancy is defined as a hemoglobin concentration below 11 g/dL and is known to affect approximately 40% of pregnant women worldwide (WHO, 2021). The condition is especially prevalent in low- and middle-income countries due to factors such as poor nutrition, recurrent infections, and inadequate access to healthcare (Allen, 2000). In regions like Buea, these factors are exacerbated by economic constraints and limited healthcare infrastructure.

The impact of maternal anemia is profound, influencing not only the health of the mother but also the developmental outcomes for the fetus. Anemia during pregnancy is linked with increased risks of preterm delivery, low birth weight, and infant mortality (Scholl, 2005). Furthermore, it can lead to worsened maternal health post-delivery, including increased susceptibility to infections and poor recovery from childbirth.

The dietary factors contributing to anemia in pregnant women in Buea include insufficient intake of iron-rich foods, poor nutritional diversity, and the prevalence of dietary practices that inhibit iron absorption. Public health interventions that focus on improving diet and supplementing micronutrients have been successful in other regions and could be adapted for the Buea context (Liu et al., 2018).

Healthcare access and utilization play a critical role in managing and preventing anemia. Regular antenatal visits allow for early detection and treatment of anemia; however, in Buea, challenges such as distance from healthcare facilities, cost, and lack of awareness hinder these practices (Kamga et al., 2019). Enhancing community health outreach and education could improve healthcare utilization rates.

Cultural beliefs and practices in the Buea region also influence the prevalence of anemia. Some traditional practices and taboos around pregnancy and food can prevent women from consuming certain nutrient-rich foods, thereby increasing the risk of anemia (Ngo et al., 2020). Addressing these cultural factors is essential for effective public health interventions.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEMS

The problem of anemia among pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in Buea Regional Hospital encompasses several critical issues that pose significant health risks for both mothers and their unborn children. Anemia is primarily caused by iron deficiency, and its prevalence in pregnant women in the Buea region is alarmingly high. This condition, if left unchecked, can lead to severe health complications including increased maternal morbidity, mortality, and poor fetal outcomes.

Firstly, the high prevalence of anemia in this population suggests a significant public health issue that is influenced by nutritional deficiencies. Many women in Buea lack adequate access to foods rich in iron and other essential nutrients due to economic constraints and limited availability. This dietary inadequacy is compounded by a general lack of nutrition education, which results in poor dietary choices and practices that exacerbate the risk of anemia.

Secondly, there are notable gaps in the healthcare system in terms of both access and quality of antenatal care services. Pregnant women in Buea often face barriers to accessing regular antenatal care, including financial constraints, distance to healthcare facilities, and sometimes inadequate service provision at health centers. These challenges lead to underutilization of antenatal services, delayed diagnosis, and treatment of anemia, which further endanger the health of the mother and fetus.

Moreover, cultural factors and traditional beliefs significantly influence health behaviors and practices among pregnant women in Buea. Some cultural norms and superstitions discourage the consumption of iron-rich foods during pregnancy. Additionally, there is a reliance on traditional healers who may not adequately address or may even misinform about anemia, leading to the underuse of conventional medical treatments that are more effective.

Another critical aspect is the lack of targeted public health interventions to combat anemia in pregnant women. While general health campaigns exist, there are few initiatives specifically designed to address and manage anemia among pregnant women at the community and regional levels. This lack of focused intervention fails to address the specific needs and challenges faced by this group, leading to persistent high rates of the condition.

Furthermore, the broader implications of maternal anemia extend beyond the immediate health of the mother and fetus. They also impact the economic and social fabric of the community. Women affected by anemia are often unable to perform daily activities or engage in productive work, which can exacerbate poverty and hinder economic development. Additionally, the healthcare costs associated with treating complications arising from anemia add to the economic burden faced by families and the healthcare system.

1.3 Rationale                                                                                             

Reducing the burden of anaemia will be a major contribution in achieving one of the UN Millennium Development Goals. Since the greatest burden of anaemia falls on the most ‘hard-to-reach’ individuals, any programme that aims at reducing anaemia or at least making knowledge about it readily accessible is of utmost importance[6].

Obtaining the prevalence of anaemia among pregnant women attending the Buea Regional Hospital in the year 2020 will enable the evaluation of the changes experienced over the years and the finding of ways through which the outcome could be improved [6].

1.4 Research Questions

• To what extend has the prevalence of anaemia among pregnant women change over time?
• What are the factors that are responsible for changes in the prevalence of anaemia among pregnant women?
• What are the remedies against anaemia in pregnancy?

1.5 Research Hypothesis

Null hypothesis

• There is no change in prevalence of anaemia among pregnant women over years
• There is no factor that is responsible for changes in the prevalence of anaemia among pregnant women
• There is no remedies against anaemia in pregnancy

1.6 Research Objectives

a. General objective

The general objective of this study is to determine the prevalence of anaemia among pregnant women attending the Buea Regional Hospital (BRH)

b. Specific objectives

• To determine whether there has been a change in the prevalence of anaemia during pregnancy over the time.
• To identify the factors that are responsible for changes in the prevalence of anaemia among pregnant women.
• Enumerate effective remedies against anaemia in pregnancy.