KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICE OF ANEMIA: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Anemia is one among serious public health problems, particularly, in a developing nation like India. To find out situation analysis of any public health condition or to assess effectiveness of implemented public health program, study of gap analysis has significant role. Nutritional knowledge related gap is one among major causes for nutritional problems. Moreover, intergenerational impact results due to uptake of improper practices. OBJECTIVES: To assess the burden of anemia and to study knowledge, attitude and practice among young women for the use of Iron Folic Acid (IFA) tablets relate to anemia. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted in a North Gujarat region. A total of 1000 young women were included in this study. A predesigned, pretested, questionnaire was used to assess objective of the study. RESULTS: According to NFHS-V, 2019-20, prevalence of anemia among non-pregnant women is 65.1 % in Gujarat. The present study found that 40-60% of respondents could identify the major symptoms, causes and consequences of anemia. Least knowledge was found about inhibitors and enhancers. 54% of respondents like to consume iron-rich food. Only 32.6% of respondents had a positive attitude towards IFA tablets. 39% knew the importance of complementary food along breastfeeding. 32% of respondents used to consume citric food. 28.7% of school going girls used to consume IFA tablets weekly and only 26% of girls used to go for deworming annually. In non-going school girls, only 16% of young women used to consume IFA tablets. Only 10.4% of respondents used to/preferred to consume iron enhancers with IFA tablet. CONCLUSION: Young women depicted intermediate knowledge towards anemia but not adequate attitude and practice. Initial uptake and adherence to IFA tablets is extremely low among young women. Along with KAP, social and environmental factors need to address to disseminate misperceptions around IFA use and low-risk perception.