Husband’s Perception on Anemia among Pregnant Women based on Cultural Perspective: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Anemia is one of the most common nutritional problems during pregnancy. Husbands have an important role in supporting their wives in pregnancy to prevent complications. Husband’s culture and beliefs will affect support for the health status of pregnant women. AIM: This study aims to explore husbands’ perceptions regarding anemia and cultural beliefs related to pregnancy. METHODS: This qualitative study was conducted using twelve in-depth interviews (IDIs) with husbands who have pregnant wives who were recruited through a purposive sampling method. Data were collected through IDIs using open-ended questions to gain insight about Husband’s Perception on Anemia among Pregnant Women based on Cultural Perspective. Data analysis was conducted by an inductive content analysis method to evaluate, encode, and analyze the interview’s result. RESULTS: Four themes emerged from interviews: (1) Husbands’ happiness and support to their wives during pregnancy; (2) Husbands’ perceptions and actions related to anemia symptoms; (3) Cultural beliefs during pregnancy believed by Acehnese people; and (4) the importance of local wisdom-based counseling. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings provide new insights into how husbands’ perceptions on anemia during pregnancy, how they support their pregnant wives, and what their believed in cultural views about pregnancy. These findings would assist in developing/adapting more strategic policies to prevent anemia in pregnancy.