Prevalence of anaemia among symptomatic pulmonary tuberculosis patients at Weija Gbawe Municipal Hospital in Accra, Ghana

Abstract

In Ghana, TB remains a substantial healthcare challenge, with an incidence rate of 136 cases per 100,000 people. Anaemia is prevalent among TB patients, impacting their health and recovery. Anaemia can lead to fatigue, weakness, and compromised immunity, all critical concerns for TB patients. This study aims to investigate the prevalence of anaemia among pulmonary TB patients at Weija Gbawe Municipal Hospital in Accra, Ghana. Among the participants, 22.6% were found to have pulmonary TB, with the majority not showing resistance to rifampicin (95.5%), a primary treatment drug. Females had a higher prevalence of TB (53.3%), possibly due to hormonal and social factors. Participants over 66 years had a high prevalence, likely due to weakened immune systems associated with aging. Anaemia was prevalent among participants, especially females, and it was more common among TB patients (68.8%) compared to non-TB patients. Normocytic anaemia was the most common type among TB patients, followed by microcytic anaemia, suggesting potential iron metabolism issues. This study provides valuable insights into the prevalence of anemia among TB patients and the distribution of different types of anaemia in this population. Understanding these factors can aid in better management and treatment of TB patients.