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

Courage Seyram Asase 1, Timothy Bukari Ebobabaara 2, Bright Darko Amoah 3, *, Kangkpi Thea 4, Albert Mensah 5, Gabriel Bright Dzotefe 6, Bless Yao Gordor 7, Joseph Anamkenna Akolgo 3, Francis Opoku-Gyebi 8, Emmanuel Effah-Yeboah 9, Lydia Darko 10 and Arhin Grace Danquah 3.

1 Mamprobi Hospital, Accra Ghana.
2 Weija Gbawe Municipal Hospital, Accra, Ghana.
3 Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Ghana Medical School, Accra, Ghana.
4 Department of Infectious Diseases, School of Allied Health Sciences University for Development Studies  
5 Holy Child Catholic Hospital, Takoradi, Ghana.
6 Department of Medical laboratory Technology, Accra Technical University, Accra, Ghana.
7 Department of Biosciences, School of health and life sciences, Teesside University, Middlesbrough, United Kingdom.
8 ST, Gregory Catholic Hospital, Central Region, Ghana.
9 Department of Biological science, Akenten Appiah Menka university, Ghana.
10 Department of Public Health, Akenten Appiah Menka university, Ghana.
 
Research Article
World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews, 2023, 20(01), 796-807
Article DOI: 10.30574/wjarr.2023.20.1.2071
 
Publication history: 
Received on 29 August 2023; revised on 17 October 2023; accepted on 19 October 2023
 
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.
 
Keywords: 
Pulmonary Tuberculosis; Anaemia; Underweight; Diagnosis; GeneXpert
 
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