KNUST Research Week and Scientific Conference: Empowering Researchers to Achieve Impactful Outcomes

Background: Malaria and anaemia remain significant contributors to adverse maternal and neonatal health outcomes in sub-Saharan Africa. Although preventive strategies such as Intermittent Preventive Treatment in pregnancy with Sulfadoxine-Pyrimethamine (IPTp-SP) and Insecticide Treated Nets (ITNs) are widely promoted, there is limited empirical evidence on their combined prevalence across pregnancy trimesters in the Ashanti Region.
Objectives: This study determined the prevalence of malaria and anaemia among pregnant women, examined associated risk factors, and assessed preventative practices.
Methods: A cross-sectional study involving 350 pregnant women was conducted at Ejisu Government Hospital, KNUST Hospital, and Church of Christ Hospital, Bomso. Purposive sampling was employed. Ethical approval was obtained from CHRPE, KNUST. Structured questionnaires captured socio-demographic and behavioral data. Rapid diagnostic tests and microscopy were used to detect malaria, while full blood count assessed anaemia status. Data was analyzed using standard statistical methods.
Key Findings: Most participants were in their first trimester. The prevalence of malaria was 5.4%, with Ejisu Government Hospital recording 89.5% of cases. Anaemia prevalence was 38.6%, with 2.9% co-infection of malaria and anaemia. Parasitemia peaked in the second trimester with high variability. Malaria prevalence was low due to Intermittent Preventive Treatment of malaria in pregnancy with Sulfadoxine -Pyrimethamine use, and Insecticide Treated Net adherence, whereas anaemia remained high, likely linked to poor nutrition and inadequate nutritional supplementation.
Implications: Public health efforts in the Ashanti Region should intensify strategies addressing nutritional anaemia in addition to malaria control. Strengthening education on IPTp-SP adherence, ITN use, and folic acid supplementation is essential. Further research comparing pregnant and non-pregnant women is recommended to identify underlying causes of high anaemia prevalence.