Assessment of Pregnant Women’s Knowledge and Preventive Practices of Anaemia amongst Women Who Attended Selected Primary Healthcare Centres in Abia State.

Abstract

Background: Anaemia during pregnancy is a serious public health problem with substantial risk for pregnant women. Aim: This study was conducted to determine the level of knowledge and practices of anaemia preventive measures amongst pregnant women that attended selected primary health care centers in Abia State, Nigeria.

Methods: the study adopted a cross-sectional descriptive survey design in a total of 373 pregnant women were selected for the study using multistage sampling.  A validated self-structured questionnaire with a reliability of 0.89 and 0.87 was used as instrument of data collection. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statics and inferential statistic such as chi square and multiple logistic regression were used to test hypothesis at 0.05% significant level.

Result: findings from the study showed that the mean age was 30.5±7.66 while average monthly income was N42611.11±20610.31. Large majority (85%) exhibited poor knowledge of anaemia, similarly, majority 57.4% had a poor level of preventive practices of anaemia preventive measures.  Association was found between number of children previously given birth and level of knowledge, (p < .001). Monthly income and level of knowledge (p < .001). Both gravida (number of pregnancies) and parity and level of knowledge (p < .001 p < .001), respectively.  The number of antenatal care visits during the current pregnancy was also significantly associated with knowledge score (p = .007). The same trend was also observed with the level of practice of anaemia preventives measures.

Conclusion: study revealed a significant gap in knowledge and practices regarding anaemia prevention among pregnant women. The overwhelming majority of participants demonstrated poor knowledge about anaemia preventive measures, while few exhibited good practices in this regard. This underscores the urgent need for interventions aimed at improving awareness and promoting appropriate practices to address anaemia during pregnancy