KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDE TOWARDS PREVENTION OF ANEMIA AMONG PREGNANT WOMEN AGED 18-45 YEARS AT KAYUNGA REGIONAL REFERRAL HOSPITAL, KAYUNGA DISTRICT. A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY.
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.71020/jwhr.v1i12.10Keywords:
Pregnant Women, Knowledge and Attitude, Pregnancy-related Anaemia, Kayunga Regional Referral Hospital, Kayunga DistrictAbstract
Background.
The majority of maternal mortality is associated with higher rates of pregnancy-related complications, such as maternal anemia. The prevalence of anemia in pregnancy remains a consistent threat among pregnant women. This study aimed to assess the Knowledge and attitude toward the prevention of anemia among pregnant women aged 18-45 at Kayunga Regional Referral Hospital, Kayunga District.
Methodology.
The study used a cross-sectional study design, with simple random sampling as the sample technique. Data was collected on a sample size of 50 respondents using semi-structured questionnaires written in the English language with open and ended questions as data collection tools; analysis was done manually using tally sheets, pens, and paper, entered in an Excel computer program; presented in tables and figures; then interpreted.
Results.
(40%) of the participants were within the age bracket of 24-29 years, (50%) had attained a secondary level of education. (60%) of respondents had ever heard about anemia, (52%) knew death as the side effect of anemia, and (66%) knew that pregnant women are supposed to take folic acid supplements every day. (84%) of respondents agreed that going for antenatal visits is important, (75%) agreed that a mother and a child could benefit from taking iron supplements, (62%) disagreed that cultural or religious beliefs prevent pregnant women from eating certain types of food and (50%) always preferred to sleep under ITNs.
Conclusion.
Adequate knowledge of the prevention of anemia was unveiled. A poor attitude towards the prevention of anemia was also established.
Recommendations.
The MOH of Health should ensure that ferrous sulfate and folic acid are readily available in all public health facilities so that they can be provided to these pregnant mothers as the need arises. This will reduce the incidence of maternal anemia.
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