ABSTRACT
The purpose of this study was to assess pregnant women’s knowledge of the causes and prevention of anemia in antenatal clinics, with a focus on the mother and child hospital in Akure, Ondo state. The study looked into the causes of anemia in pregnant women who went to an antenatal clinic. The study also examines whether pregnant women who visit a prenatal clinic are aware of how to prevent anemia. The study also looked into the impact of anemia on pregnant women who went to an antenatal clinic. Finally, the study examines the preventive steps that pregnant women might take to avoid anemia. The survey descriptive research design was used in this study. The survey yielded a total of 30 valid replies. The data revealed that iron deficiency, folate deficiency anemia, vitamin B12 deficiencies, and infectious illnesses such as malaria, tuberculosis, HIV, and parasitic infections are the leading causes of anemia in pregnant women. Pregnant women who visit antenatal clinic also have an understanding on how to prevent anemia. Furthermore, anemia increases the risk of early birth, low birth weight babies, postpartum depression, and a rapid or irregular heartbeat in pregnant women. Finally, pregnant women can avoid anemia by eating iron-rich foods like meat, chicken, fish, eggs, dried beans, and fortified grains, as well as folic acid-rich foods like dried beans. As a result, the study suggests that public awareness campaigns be launched to educate the public about anemia, its causes, risk factors, and repercussions. Also, health promotion and education, particularly to encourage all pregnant women to schedule antenatal care as soon as possible and to take appropriate intervention measures. Efforts in the areas of information, education, and communication (IEC) should be aimed at raising awareness and commitment at all levels. Furthermore, measures to raise anemia awareness should be implemented. Information should be disseminated through antenatal and under-five clinics, public radio, and community development workshops led by extension workers, among other methods.
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY
Anaemia is a condition in which the concentration of haemoglobin in the blood of pregnant women falls below 11 grams per deciliter. More than a quarter of the world’s population suffers from anemia, which is one of the most frequent nutritional deficiency disorders (1). Anemia affects 1.62 billion individuals (about 25% of the world’s population), 56 million of whom are pregnant women (4 and 1). An estimated 41.8 percent of pregnant women in the world are anemic. Iron deficiency is thought to be responsible for at least half of the anemia burden. Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is the world’s most common nutritional condition, impacting 2 billion people globally, with pregnant women being especially vulnerable (1). In developing countries, anemia is prevalent during pregnancy at 60.0 percent, with 7.0 percent of women being seriously anemic (4). Anemia affects 57.1 percent of pregnant women in Africa (d6). The most afflicted region is Sub-Saharan Africa, with an estimated 17.2 million pregnant women suffering from anemia. This accounts for around a third of all cases worldwide (1). Anemia is prevalent in 55.1 percent of pregnant women and 46.4 percent of non-pregnant women in Nigeria. When the haemoglobin concentration is less than 7.0 g/dl, anemia is termed severe, moderate when the concentration is 7.0 to 9.9 g/dl, and light when the concentration is 10.0 to 10.9 g/dl (5,7, and 8). There are numerous causes and contributing factors for anemia during pregnancy. 75 percent of anemia cases during pregnancy are caused by iron deficiency (9). Infectious illnesses like malaria, helminth infestations, and HIV have all been linked to high anemia rates in Sub-Saharan Africa (11). Anemia during pregnancy is also caused by loss of appetite and severe vomiting during pregnancy, as well as high menstrual flow before to pregnancy (13). The main contributing factors of anemia during pregnancy are socioeconomic conditions, abnormal demands such as multiple pregnancies, teenage pregnancies, maternal illiteracy, unemployment/underemployment, short pregnancy intervals, gestational age, primigravida and multigravida (15), smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption (12). In underdeveloped nations, anemia during pregnancy is a leading cause of illness and mortality among pregnant women and infants. In the year 2013, an estimated 289,000 women died around the world. Developing nations account for 99 percent (286 000) of all maternal fatalities worldwide, with Sub-Saharan Africa accounting for 62 percent of all maternal deaths (179 000). Approximately 800 women die every day as a result of difficulties during pregnancy and childbirth around the world. Anaemia is responsible for 20% of all maternal fatalities. Low birth weight (14), fetal damage, and newborn mortality are all linked to anemia throughout pregnancy. Iron deficiency anemia has a negative impact on the nation’s growth since it impairs children’s cognitive and motor development, as well as adult productivity (16).
STATEMENT OF PROBLEM
The frequency of anemia among pregnant women in Nigeria is 55.1 percent. It is deemed a major public health hazard if the prevalence of anemia among pregnant women is 40.0 percent or higher (20). Anaemia is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in pregnant women, raising the risk of foetal, neonatal, and total infant mortality. In the year 2013, an estimated 289,000 women died around the world. Developing nations account for 99 percent (286 000) of all maternal fatalities worldwide, with Sub-Saharan Africa accounting for 62 percent of all maternal deaths (179 000). Approximately 800 women die every day as a result of difficulties during pregnancy and childbirth around the world (18). Anemia during pregnancy is responsible for 20% of all maternal fatalities. Maternal fatalities jumped to 414/100,000 in 2008-09, according to the KDHS.
Low birth weight, preterm birth, and intrauterine growth restriction are all linked to anemia during pregnancy (19). Folic acid deficiency during pregnancy can cause significant neural tube defects, heart defects, cleft lips, limb malformations, and urinary system anomalies (Wilcox et al., 2007).
In Nigeria, pregnant women who visit antenatal clinics are commonly given iron supplements to take throughout their pregnancy. The frequency of anemia among pregnant women, however, remains high. Furthermore, there is a scarcity of information in Nigeria about the prevalence and particular ethologic causes of anemia during pregnancy.
OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY
The study’s overall goal is to learn more about the causes and prevention of anemia in pregnant women who visit a prenatal clinic. The particular goals are as follows:
The purpose of this study was to look at the causes of anemia in pregnant women who went to an antenatal clinic.
To see if pregnant women who go to an antenatal clinic are aware of how to prevent anemia.
The purpose of this study was to see how anemia affected pregnant women who went to a prenatal clinic.
To assess the preventative steps that pregnant women can take to avoid anemia.
RESEARCH QUESTIONS
1.What causes anemia in pregnant women who visit a prenatal clinic?
2. Are pregnant women who visit a prenatal clinic aware of how to prevent anemia?
3.How does anemia affect pregnant women who visit an antenatal clinic?
4. What are some of the preventative measures that pregnant women should take to avoid anemia?
RESEARCH HYPOTHESIS
HO: Pregnant women who visit a prenatal clinic have no idea how to prevent anemia.
H1: Pregnant women who attend antenatal clinic are aware of how to prevent anemia.
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