KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICE REGARDING ANAEMIA IN ANTENATAL WOMEN - A PROSPECTIVE CLINICAL STUDY

Introduction: Anaemia is one of the most common nutrition deficiency disorders affecting pregnant women. During pregnancy they need for iron for mother and foetus gradually increases and will reach its highest level at the end of pregnancy. Poor dietary practice and low compliance to iron tablets among pregnant women are major contributors for high burden of anaemia. They should be awareness of anaemia among antenatal women and association of knowledge, attitude and practice of Nutrition during pregnancy and taking iron-rich food.

Objectives: To assess the knowledge, attitude and practice regarding anaemia in antenatal women.

Material & Methods: It was a prospective study conducted in the department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Kurnool Medical College and Hospital, Kurnool ,Andhra Pradesh over a period of 3 month from November 1st 2022 to January 31st 2023. Data was collected by using a structured and Pretested questionnaire which asked question on nutrition in pregnancy,anaemia and associated factors.

Results: A total of 500 antenatal women, 344 of them had heard about iron deficiency anaemia, 304 of them know that poor nutrition causes the anaemia during pregnancy , 192 agreed that iron supplement or iron tablets can prevent anaemia, 201 of them dont know that spacing of pregnancies can prevent anaemia ,331 have not taken a regular iron tablets. The study reflects the ignorance, poverty and illiteracy among majority of the child bearing women coming to the Hospital.

Conclusion: Assessments of knowledge and practice and health education are essential step towards prevention of anaemia in pregnancy. Educating antenatal women about the importance of diet and implementing this into practice will help in the prevention of anaemia.