Prevalence and Determinants of Postpartum Anaemia Among Adolescent Mothers in the Tolon District

Abstract Purpose :: Anaemia remains a major public health challenge, particularly affecting pregnant and postpartum adolescent mothers in low- and middle-income countries. In Ghana, data on postpartum anaemia among adolescents are limited, hindering targeted health interventions. This study assessed the prevalence and socio-demographic determinants of postpartum anaemia among adolescent mothers in the Tolon District of Northern Ghana. Methods :: A descriptive cross-sectional design was used, involving 211 adolescent mothers aged 10--19 years who had delivered within six weeks prior to data collection. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and verified maternal haemoglobin records. Postpartum anaemia was defined as a haemoglobin concentration below 10.0~g/dL. Adjusted odds ratios (AOR) and 95\% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using multivariate logistic regression to identify independent predictors of anaemia status. Results :: At the postpartum stage, 68.7\% of the adolescent mothers exhibited normal haemoglobin levels, while 31.3\% had mild anaemia; no cases of moderate or severe anaemia were recorded. Multivariate logistic regression revealed that adolescents aged 18--19 years had significantly lower odds of normal haemoglobin compared to those under 15 years (AOR = 0.007; 95\% CI: 0.001--0.056; $p < 0.001$). Muslim adolescents also demonstrated lower odds of normal haemoglobin compared to their Christian counterparts (AOR = 0.010; 95\% CI: 0.001--0.080; $p < 0.001$). Multiparous mothers were less likely to maintain normal haemoglobin levels compared to primiparous peers (AOR = 0.042; 95\% CI: 0.006--0.272; $p < 0.001$). Conversely, home delivery was associated with a substantially increased risk of anaemia (AOR = 6.96; 95\% CI: 1.63--29.52; $p = 0.009$). A documented prior history of maternal anaemia strongly predicted persistent postpartum anaemia (AOR = 0.009; 95\% CI: 0.001--0.053; $p < 0.001$). Conclusions :: Despite observed improvements in overall haemoglobin status from pregnancy to the postpartum period, nearly one-third of adolescent mothers in the Tolon District remain anaemic. This ongoing prevalence highlights persistent gaps in regional nutritional support and postnatal follow-up. These findings emphasize the critical need for adolescent-specific maternal health policies in Ghana, focusing on early prenatal care access, targeted iron supplementation, and the active promotion of facility-based births.