THE KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDE OF PREGNANT WOMEN ATTENDING ANTENATAL CLINIC TOWARDS PREVENTION OF ANAEMIA IN PREGNANCY AT FEDERAL UNIVERSITY TEACHING HOSPITAL, OWERRI, OWERRI MUNICIPAL, IMO STATE

ABSTRACT Introduction: Anaemia is a condition in which the number of red blood cells or the haemoglobin concentration within them is lower than normal. Haemoglobin is needed to carry oxygen and if there is not enough haemoglobin, there will be a decreased capacity of the blood to carry oxygen to the body’s tissues. This results in symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, dizziness etc. The WHO estimates 40% of pregnant women worldwide are anaemic, with iron deficiency anemia being the most common form. Severe anaemia during pregnancy has been associated with major maternal and fetal complications. Objective: To assess the knowledge and attitude of pregnant women towards prevention of anaemia in pregnancy in the Antenatal clinic, Federal University Teaching Hospital, Owerri, Owerri Municipal, Imo state. Methodology: A cross-sectional descriptive study was done using a self-administered semi-structured questionnaire to obtain information from 176 pregnant women. Data was collected on socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge, attitude, affecting and predisposing factors to anemia in pregnancy. Simple random sampling technique was used to select respondents and data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 29. Results: A total of 176 respondents participated in the study. Their mean age was 29.9±5.1 years, Between the ages of 26-30 years. Majority of them are married 152(86.4%) Over 75(42.6%) of the women were Traders/Business women with a monthly income of ≥51,000, 131(74.4%) had tertiary level of education and 151(85.8%) live in a monogamous setting. Most of the respondents have heard about anaemia, 138(78.4%). Their major source of information was the hospital and TV 80(45.4%) and 31(17.6%) respectively. Plantain and Red meat were the most known sources of iron rich foods in 62(35.1) and 58(33.0%) respectively. One hundred and forty-eight (84.1%) of the respondents were aware that anaemia in pregnancy could lead to complications in pregnancy. Overall they had good attitude towards the prevention of anemia in pregnancy as Majority of the respondent strongly agree that regular antenatal visit can help prevent anaemia in pregnancy 124(70.5%). About 114(64.8%) strongly agree that iron supplement or iron tablets can prevent anaemia in pregnancy. Only about a third of the respondents (33.3%) felt that promotion of family planning methods will prevent anaemia in pregnancy. Almost all of the respondents have been prescribed iron supplements during pregnancy 157(89.2%) and about 124(70.5%) have been consistent with taking the iron supplements. Most women avoid smoking 169(96.1%) and alcohol 161(91.5%) during pregnancy, which is favorable for the prevention of anaemia. Nearly half of the women 83(47.2%) report always suffering from malaria during pregnancy, which is a significant predisposing factor for anemia. Conclusion: This study shows a high level of awareness of anemia in pregnancy and its complications but there are challenges in adherence. By addressing these through targeted education, improved adherence strategies, community engagement, and robust support systems, we can enhance the effectiveness of anaemia prevention programs and improve maternal health outcomes. Key words: Knowledge, Attitude, Anaemia, Pregnant women, Antenatal, Federal university teaching hospital Owerri.