Knowledge and Prevalence of Anaemia in Pregnancy among Pregnant Women in Nkanu-West Local Government Area, Enugu State

Abstract

This study determined the knowledge and prevalence of anaemia in pregnancy among pregnant women in the Nkanu-west local government area, Enugu State. Three research questions and one hypothesis guided the study. The study adopted a descriptive cross-sectional survey. A sample of 320 pregnant women was selected through a multi-stage sampling technique. Semi-structured
questionnaires and blood test measurements (haemoglobin level estimation) were used for data collection. A reliability index of .78 of the spilt-half method result was established using the Spearman-Brown test. Data analyses were performed with SPSS, version 23. Frequency and percentages were used to answer research objectives 1-3 while Chi-square analysis was used to test the hypothesis at a .05 level of significance. The study found a 55.0% prevalence of mild anaemia, 26.6% moderate anaemia, and 1.20% severe anaemia among the respondents. Also, the result indicated that 14.6% had poor knowledge, 50.0% had average knowledge and 35.3% had high knowledge of anaemia in pregnancy. The chi-square test showed that occupation and parity had a significant relationship with the level of knowledge of anaemia among the women (p < .05). It was concluded that anaemia was prevalent among pregnant women and knowledge of anaemia was moderate which can have adverse effects on the fetal and maternal outcome. An intensified sensitization and enlightenment of pregnant women by the health care workers and health educators on the causes of anaemia, treatment and necessary precautions to prevent anaemia in pregnancy was recommended.