Determinants and Knowledge of Iron Deficiency Anemia and its Impact among Pregnant Women Attending University Hospital in Mukalla, Yemen

Authors

Asrar Saleh Sayad, College of medicine and health sciences, Hadhramout UniversityFollow
Maher Khaled Alsakkaf, College of medicine and health sciences, Hadhramout University
Muneer Khamis Aljaaide, College of administrative sciences, Hadhramout University
Lotfi Saeed Bin Dahman, College of medicine and health sciences, Hadhramout University

Abstract

The prevalence of anemia among pregnant women, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), is still higher than 51% in developing countries, and the most common cause is iron deficiency, which has adverse effects on maternal and child health. The purpose of this study is to determine the knowledge and attitude of pregnant women attending the University Hospital in Mukalla regarding iron deficiency anemia and its impact. A cross sectional descriptive study was conducted on 320 Yemeni pregnant women from January 1, 2021, to June 30, 2021. Data was collected by a predesigned self-administered questionnaire in the antenatal clinic at the time of the routine antenatal check-up. The results showed that the mean age of participants was 26.8 ±1.73 years. The prevalence of iron deficiency anemia was high (81%). (23.4%) of the participants know that anemia in pregnancy is present when the hemoglobin concentration is 11 g/dl or less. Most of the participants (72.2%) know that anemia may affect the health of the fetus and cause complications for the mothers. Only (16.6%) of them know that iron tablets are free of cost in primary health care centers and government hospitals. (85.3%) of them know that iron tablets should be taken during pregnancy in spite of a healthy diet. (23.1%) of the participants took iron supplementation irregularly due to drug cost (32.8%). Only (20%) of them get information regarding anemia from health workers. Anemia was statistically lower in pregnant women with regular intake of iron supplements and those taking special diets during pregnancy. The prevalence of anemia in women who attend University hospitals during pregnancy is higher. There is poor knowledge among participants about the preventive measures for iron deficiency anemia. Improving health education about anemia during pregnancy can reduce the prevalence of anemia and improve maternal and fetal outcomes.

Recommended Citation

Sayad, Asrar Saleh; Alsakkaf, Maher Khaled; Aljaaide, Muneer Khamis; and Bin Dahman, Lotfi Saeed (2022) "Determinants and Knowledge of Iron Deficiency Anemia and its Impact among Pregnant Women Attending University Hospital in Mukalla, Yemen," Hadhramout University Journal of Natural & Applied Sciences: Vol. 19: Iss. 1, Article 3.
Available at: https://digitalcommons.aaru.edu.jo/huj_nas/vol19/iss1/3