Knowledge and Perception of Risk of Anaemia During Pregnancy among Pregnant Women in Ablekuma South

Abstract

Introduction: Worldwide it is estimated that about half of all pregnant women are anaemic. In Ghana, the incidence of pregnant women with anaemia has increased and this accounts for about 20% of maternal mortality. This study therefore sought to investigate the knowledge and perception of the risk of anaemia during pregnancy and adherence to iron supplements among pregnant women in Ablekuma South. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out among 384 pregnant women in Ablekuma South aged between 19 to 50 years to determine their knowledge and perceptions of the risk of anaemia in pregnancy as well as their level of adherence to iron preparations. Data were analysed using STATA version 13. Socio-demographic characteristics of the respondents were presented in tables and associations between independent variables such as age, marital status and occupation and the dependent variable knowledge of risk of anaemia were examined. Results: A total of 384 pregnant women were interviewed. The study showed that 78% (301) had knowledge of risk of anaemia. Among the respondents who knew about the risk of anaemia in pregnancy, the majority (43%) were aged 21-30 years and about 43% (162) of them were married. The majority (90%) held positive perceptions about the condition and indicated that taking iron supplements was a measure to reduce the risk of anaemia in pregnancy. The level of adherence to iron supplements was found to be high (90%). There were statistically significant associations between age and knowledge of risk of anaemia (p=0.001) and educational level and knowledge of risk of anaemia (p=0.001). Conclusion: The study reports a high level of awareness of risk of anaemia in pregnancy, positive perceptions about anaemia and high adherence to iron supplementation.