Abstract
BackgroundAnaemia during pregnancy continues to constitute significant challenge to maternal health in Nigeria and contributes substantially to the worsening maternal mortality ratio (MMR) in Nigeria despite a global reduction in MMR in response to effort to improve safe motherhood. The incidence of anaemia during pregnancy is still high (>40 %) in Nigeria, and attitudes and management practices are yet unclear as the peoples’ understanding of the phenomenon remains unclear. This study explored the perceptions/attitudes on anaemia during pregnancy and practices to prevent and/or manage it in Anambra State.MethodsIn-depth interview and focus group discussion data were collected from health workers and mothers who delivered within 6 months preceding the study and from mothers and husbands of women who delivered within 6 months preceding the study, respectively.ResultsThe people expressed some knowledge of anaemia, being common in pregnancies. However, some expressed the view that anaemia being a typical sign of pregnancy cannot be prevented. Some mothers expressed desire for focused antenatal care services to control anaemia but lamented the attitude of the health workers, who make access to these interventions difficult.ConclusionsControl of anaemia in pregnancy should start with providing health education to pregnant women and their partners, who reinforce what the women are told during antenatal care, and with training health workers for friendlier attitudes to clients.
Highlights
Anaemia during pregnancy continues to constitute significant challenge to maternal health in Nigeria and contributes substantially to the worsening maternal mortality ratio (MMR) in Nigeria despite a global reduction in MMR in response to effort to improve safe motherhood
Four women who delivered 6 months prior to the study were interviewed in each Local government area (LGA)
The latter argues that anaemia is a normal occurrence in pregnancy. These findings confirm findings from other studies, which identified perception as a major driver of the people’s attitude towards the interventions. Those who hold this view argue that utilization of such health interventions such as focused antenatal care services is only partially explained by availability, while the major decider lies in the people’s perception, which forms basis of their decision on whether or not to use the interventions [9, 27, 28]
Summary
Anaemia during pregnancy continues to constitute significant challenge to maternal health in Nigeria and contributes substantially to the worsening maternal mortality ratio (MMR) in Nigeria despite a global reduction in MMR in response to effort to improve safe motherhood. Anaemia, referred to as the most common hematologic abnormality, decreases the amount of oxygen reaching the tissues and organs of the body, thereby reducing their capacity to function [1, 2]. During pregnancy, such haemoglobin reduction has serious pregnancy-related complications, which could lead to maternal mortality. Anaemia can occur at any age and affect either gender, it is more prevalent in pregnant women and young children [5]. It leads to poor pregnancy outcomes and contributes to 20 % of deaths among pregnant women [6]. Untreated anaemia leads to increased morbidity and mortality from these chronic conditions as well [4]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
