Knowledge and Practices Regarding Prevention of Anaemia in Pregnant Women

Anaemia is the most frequent maternal complication during of pregnancy which is associated with maternal morbidity, mortality, perinatal morbidity and mortality. Antenatal mothers should equip themselves to prevent anaemia during pregnancy. Cross sectional survey was undertaken to assess the knowledge and practices regarding prevention of Anemia in registered pregnant women at Government Maternity Hospital, Koti Hyderabad. Data was collected from 100 antenatal mothers who were attending antenatal clinic of GMH, koti, Hyderabad, India. The tool used for data collection was interview schedule Reliabllity and validity of the tool was established. Findings are majority (60%) were in the age group of 20–24 years. Three fourth(77%) are educated. Sixty nine percent of mothers registered during 2^nd trimester. Most of sample are primigravida(63%). 63% of mothers had mild anaemia(9.1 to 11mg/dl). Nearly half of the mothers (53%) had moderate knowledge regarding anaemia. Most of mothers (65%) are not aware of prevention of Anaemia. 48% of mothers are following diet practices about prevention of anaemia, almost all practicing hygiene, 73% are following treatment practices. Significant association was found between education, occupation of subjects and knowledge regarding anaemia. Significant relationship was found with occupation and practices about prevention of anaemia. Improvement in the knowledge level and dietary practices among the most vulnerable group is very important to decrease the prevalence of anaemia. Awareness programmes should be conducted among the pregnant women for their promotion of health. Anaemia being major contributor to the maternal mortality and morbidity due to its complications in pregnancy, it is the need of the hour to disseminate basic knowledge on prevention of anaemia which can have an impact on our health system.