Assessment of Knowledge on Anemia in Pregnancy among Antenatal Women

Abstract

Pregnancy brings a new meaning to the concept of beauty. According to the United Nations (UN) estimates, approximately 50% of the pregnant women suffer from anemia worldwide. The researcher did a study to assess the knowledge on anemia in pregnancy among antenatal women at selected hospital in Kanyakumari. A quantitative approach with descriptive research design was used. Prior to collection of data, permission was obtained from the Managing Director of Irene hospital, Nagercoil. 150 antenatal women who fulfilled the criteria were selected from the hospital by convenient sampling technique. Informed consent was obtained from all of them before data collection. The background variables were collected, and the knowledge level was assessed using the structured questionnaire. The study found that majority of them (70%) have inadequate knowledge and only few of them (6.67%) have adequate knowledge. The mean knowledge level was 10.073+5.0289. Among the ratio scale variables, age, monthly family income, age at marriage, age at first pregnancy and height have positive correlation while weight, weight gain during pregnancy and hemoglobin have negative correlation with knowledge level. Among the ordinal scale variables, gravida, para and number of living children negatively correlate while number of abortions positively correlates with level of knowledge. Except variables like religion, abortions, family history of anemia and immunization status all other variables have an association with the level of knowledge on anemia at P<0.05 level. A teaching program was also designed and provided to improve their level of knowledge on anemia. The study concluded that if knowledge level is increased, it may have an effect on attitude and practice, which further can bring down the level of anemia and anemia related complications. Thereby healthy offspring can be brought out and the scarce health resources will not be wasted upon treating such conditions.