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Student Project | Obstetrics and Gynecology | India | Volume 12 Issue 10, October 2023 | Popularity: 7.2 / 10

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A Descriptive Study to Ascertain the Level of Knowledge, Attitude and Practice about Anemia among Pregnant Women

Humaira S. Shaikh, Kinjal S. Tailor, Dhruvi M. Patel, Jahanvi J. Desai, Dr. Steffi John, Dr. Bhavesh Parmar

Abstract: Objective: The primary objective of this study is to determine knowledge, attitude and practice levels regarding anemia among pregnant women in Surat, Gujarat. This study was also conducted to identify the association between knowledge, attitude and practice and socio-demographics and antenatal characteristics. Background: Anemia in pregnancy is a condition where the number of red blood cells is insufficient to meet the body's needs. Pregnant women are at higher risk of anemia, which can lead to complications such as fetal growth retardation, stillbirth, and maternal deaths during childbirth. Anemia is a major cause of maternal and fetal mortality worldwide. It impairs cognitive development, reduces physical work capacity, and increases risk of mortality. In India, it is the second most common cause of maternal death, accounting for 20% of total maternal deaths. It affects both the mother and fetus and is one of the contributing factors to morbidity and mortality during pregnancy in underdeveloped nations. Low maternal risk perception, poor eating habits, and low iron supplement adherence are major causes of anemia. Material &Method: The study was a prospective descriptive study conducted to assess the level of knowledge, attitude, and practice of anemia among pregnant women. The sample size was 160 pregnant women aged between 18-40 attending an antenatal clinic. The study used a validated questionnaire to assess patient awareness and perception of anemia, and patient information leaflets were provided to improve understanding. MS Excel was used to analyze the data for counts and percentages. Result: The majority of Anti-Natal cases were under the age of 30, with 105 pregnant women (66%) suffering from mild, moderate, and severe anemia. 80% of pregnant women were in the 21-30 age group. The prevalence of anemia increased with the duration of pregnancy, with the majority of participants enrolled in third trimester 96 (60%), followed by second trimester 42 (26.25%) and first trimester 22 (13.75%). The majority of pregnant women studied 8th-10th grade, with higher levels of education associated with less anemia. Iron supplements were taken from the first trimester in our study. Age has a significant association with knowledge, attitude and practice, with 31?40-year-olds having more knowledge, attitude and practice than 18?20-year-olds and 21?30-year-olds. Education is linked to knowledge, attitude, and practice, graduates having more knowledge, attitude, and practice than others. This suggests that education is closely associated with anemia during pregnancy, with higher education resulting in more knowledge, attitude, and practice. Gravida increases, hemoglobin levels decrease, demonstrating a correlation between gravida and hemoglobin levels. The participants' overall evaluation of knowledge, attitude, and practice was low, as indicated by the sum score outcome. Knowledge was low (47.78%), attitude (50.14%), and practice was moderate (51.49%). The mean percentage of knowledge, attitude, and practice was 49.8021%. Conclusion: This study found that there was a lack of knowledge and attitude in rural areas due to people's low levels of education, age, and economic factors. This study was conducted because there haven't been many studies on knowledge, attitude, and practices regarding anemia among pregnant women in Gujarat, India. It also showed that the average hemoglobin level of pregnant women in Surat needed to be improve.

Keywords: Anemia in Pregnancy, Hemoglobin, Iron Deficiency Anemia, Questionnaire, Knowledge, Attitude, Practice

Edition: Volume 12 Issue 10, October 2023

Pages: 38 - 48

DOI: https://www.doi.org/10.21275/SR23928173005

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