Abstract
Background: Data examining whether anemia during different trimesters of pregnancy affects maternal and birth outcomes is lacking. Studies typically look at associations between risk factors and anemia or anemia and birth outcomes but have limited information as to whether birth outcomes differ with different trimesters of anemia. The main objective of this study is to determine whether anemia during different trimesters of pregnancy and hypertension disorders is associated with adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes in Ghana.Methods: This will be a primary analysis of data from a hospital-based prospective cohort study in four selected hospitals in the Bekwai Municipality, Ghana from February 2020 to August 2020. All singleton pregnancy at less than 20 weeks to women with at least one hemoglobin measure during pregnancy will be included. The risk of maternal and perinatal outcomes will be measured. Descriptive statistics will be used to describe the baseline characteristics of our cohort. Baseline characteristics of the two groups will be compared using Pearson Chi-square (χ2) test for categorical variables; the independent t-test and Mann–Whitney U test for parametric and nonparametric continuous variables, respectively. The risk associated with anemia and maternal and perinatal outcomes, using the history of anemia (Hb<11g/dL) in different trimesters will be calculated by logistic regression analysis, conditional on the baseline covariates. Possible confounding variables will be identified from background data, obstetric risk factors, and health behaviors. Multivariate analysis of significant effects (p<0.05) will be based on multiple logistic regression analysis. Confidence intervals will be evaluated at 95%. Data will be coded and examined using the SPSS program IBM version 20.Discussion: The better understanding of whether anemia during different trimesters of pregnancy and hypertension disorders is associated with adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes in Bekwai Municipality of Ghana. This study will establish targets for early intervention and identify risk factors to save and improve the lives of pregnant women and inborn by developing solutions that promote the quality and accountability of health services for the most vulnerable. These findings will be served as a policy document to governments in designing effective programs to curb the increasing prevalence of anemia and its associated health consequences.
Dose-effect of maternal serotonin reuptake inhibitor use during pregnancy on birth outcomes: A prospective cohort study