Knowledge and self-reported practices on prevention of iron deficiency anemia among women of reproductive age in rural area.

Abstract

Objectives: To assess the knowledge, self-reported practices on prevention of Iron deficiency anemia and to find the relationship between knowledge and practice. Materials and methods: Questionnaire on demographic proforma, knowledge and self reported practice on prevention of Iron deficiency anemia were used to collect the data. A descriptive survey design was adopted and 120 women were selected for the study using cluster sampling technique. Results: Majority of women belonged to the age group of 31-45 years (53.3%), most of them (31.7%) had the secondary level of education. Majority of participants had inadequate knowledge (55.8%) and unfavorable practices (58.3%) with regard to iron deficiency anemia and its prevention. There was a weak positive correlation between knowledge and self-reported practices of women (? = 0.275, p= 0.002). Conclusion: The women of reproductive age have inadequate knowledge on iron deficiency anemia and its prevention. Adequate knowledge may lead to better practices on prevention of iron deficiency anemia.