Impact of Malaria Interventions on Anaemia amongst Pregnant Women in Ghana: A Secondary Analysis of Data

Abstract

Abstract Background: There is limited published literature available on the impact of insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) and sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine (Sp) as an intermittent preventive treatment for malaria in pregnancy (IPTp) on anaemia amongst pregnant women in Ghana. Materials and Methods: The data from the United States Agency for International Development Malaria Indicator Survey in Ghana for 2016 and 2019 was used and analysed. Key variables, including anaemia status, ITN usage and IPTp-Sp uptake, were analysed using descriptive statistics, Chi-square and logistic regression. Results: The pregnant women who took IPTp-Sp had a 17% lower likelihood of anaemia compared to non-users. In 2019, with increased ITN usage at 57.1%, anaemia prevalence decreased to 54.5%. Pregnant women combining ITN use and IPTp uptake had a 96% lower likelihood of anaemia than those who did not. The women aged 30–39 and ≥40 being 53%–69% less likely to be anaemic, respectively, than those <20 years (adjusted odds ratio = 0.47 [95% confidence interval: 0.27–0.79]). Education, parity and socio-economic status also influence anaemia risk. Conclusion: IPTp-Sp usage reduced anaemia risk in pregnancy. Combining ITN use and IPTp further decreased anaemia likelihood. Enhancing the uptake of these interventions amongst pregnant women is crucial for improving maternal health outcomes. The findings have relevance for malaria-endemic countries.