Knowledge and Practice of Anemia among pregnant women attending antenatal clinic in Dr. Prabhakar Kore hospital, Karnataka-A Cross sectional study

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Anemia in pregnancy is defined by World Health Organization (WHO) as a haemoglobin concentration below 11g/dl. Iron-deficiency anemia is the most common form of malnutrition in the world and is the eighth leading cause of disease in girls and pregnant women in developing countries. Materials and Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted Obstetrics and Gynaecological outpatient department of K.L.E.S hospital by taking a total of 400 pregnant women. Results: Out of 400 respondent's majority, 60.5% of the pregnant women were aged between 20-24 years.. Majority 62.7% of the respondents had registered their pregnancy in 1 st trimester. Majority 48.5% of the respondents were in the first gravid. Most of the respondents didn't have any children. The study found that there was significant association between women's education and knowledge regarding cause of anemia, knowledge regarding sign and symptoms regarding anemia, knowledge regarding proper diet to prevent anemia, knowledge regarding prevention and treatment of anemia, preventive practice regarding anemia at p<0.001.Conclusion: The study result showed that knowledge regarding cause of anemia, sign and symptoms of anemia, proper diet to prevent anemia was poor. Knowledge regarding prevention and treatment of anemia, knowledge regarding preventive practice of anemia was good.