Publication:

Anaemia in pregnant mothers attending antenatal clinic at primary health centre, Devarayasamudra, Kolar, Karnataka, India

Background Anaemia in pregnancy continues to be a problem inspite of national programs for its prevention and control. It is an important factor in maternal morbidity and mortality. Nutrition education during pregnancy and the consumption and supply of iron and folic acid tablets is still not universal as envisaged in the RCH programme. The objectives of the study were to study the prevalence of anaemiaamong pregnant mothers attending antenatal clinic and to study the knowledge and practices regarding prevention of anaemia in pregnant mothers.

Methods A cross sectional study was conducted at PHC Devarayasamudra on 50 pregnant women attending antenatal clinic. A pre tested questionnaire was applied to know the utilization and delivery of ANC services. Hemoglobin estimation was done by using Sahli’s method. A focused group discussion was conducted to find the knowledge and practices regarding anaemia and its prevention.

Results The mean age of pregnant women in the study is 22 years and 6% were below 18 years. Primi constituted to 40%. 60% had at least one child. At least one home visit by ANM was made in all of the women. 54% of the women received IFA tablets from PHC and 10% were given prescription for IFA and 40% of the women never consumed it. Only 46% of women had ever used any temporary family planning method. 70% of women did not use sanitary latrine and 14% of them did not wear footwear during open field defecation. 64% of the women had anemia. About 52% of the women had no knowledge on the importance of consuming iron rich nutritious diet during pregnancy.

Conclusions Anaemia in pregnancy continues to be a problem. The delivery of services to prevent and control anaemia is not as expected under RCH programme. The knowledge of the pregnant mothers regarding anaemia and its prevention is poor.