Letters to the Editor

Abstract

During July-August 1991 a physician conducted 2 focus groups with 10 pregnant women each at a prenatal clinic and in the community in Amukoko Lagos State Nigeria to learn how they recognize anemia (< 11 g/dl hemoglobin). The physician also talked with a traditional birth attendant (TBA). The women knew the common symptoms of anemia: weakness white eyes white palm of hands dizziness swollen legs and weight loss. They also had a good understanding of the biological and social causes of anemia: pregnancy not eating good food heavy menstrual loss fever worms and overwork/undernutrition. The TBA also mentioned witchcraft excessive work and insufficient sleep as causes. The women identified pregnant women nonpregnant women since they bleed once a month unemployed people growing children and anyone who does strenuous work as people with anemia. They recommended various actions to take for people with anemia: take people to the hospital or to the herbalist and buy tonics from the pharmacy. The TBA treated women once a week with blood tonics and protected them against the witches causing anemia. He also dispensed brews to prevent fever and dysentery and recommended rest and use of a worm expeller. He considered his care to consist mostly of prevention. The community group mentioned eating eggs liver beans meat vegetables fish crayfish palm oil and biscuit bone as a way to prevent anemia. Both groups said regular use of tonics prevents anemia. Just the prenatal clinic group mentioned regular attendance at the clinic as a way to prevent anemia. The prenatal group also mentioned good food. These findings indicated considerable local knowledge about anemia and high risk groups. Health officials should build on this knowledge as they plan health services.