The Assessment of Knowledge Regarding Anemia in Primigravida In Tertiary Care Hospital

Abstract

Background: Anemia remains the most common nutritional deficiency worldwide, particularly among pregnant women. It significantly impacts maternal and fetal health, contributing to both morbidity and mortality. The problem is exacerbated by a general lack of awareness about the condition, its prevention, and management. Objective: The objective of this study was to assess the level of knowledge regarding anemia among primigravida women attending a tertiary care hospital in Lahore, aiming to identify key educational gaps that could be addressed to improve health outcomes. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at the Gyne Out-Patient Department of a Public Hospital in Lahore. A total of 150 primigravida women were purposively sampled. Participants were excluded if they were visiting the labor room only or had a medical background. Data were collected through self-administered questionnaires, which included sections on demographic information and knowledge about anemia. Ethical approval was obtained from the institutional review boards, and informed consent was secured from all participants. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 25, employing descriptive statistics and chi-square tests for categorical data. Results: Out of the 150 participants, 41.3% demonstrated poor knowledge regarding anemia, 30% had moderate knowledge, and 28.7% exhibited good knowledge. Awareness of dietary sources of iron and the impact of dietary habits on iron absorption was notably low among the respondents. Conclusion: The study revealed a significant lack of knowledge about anemia among primigravida women at the surveyed hospital, highlighting an urgent need for targeted educational interventions. Improving anemia awareness can potentially enhance maternal and fetal health outcomes.