Abstract

Background: Anaemia is the most common nutritional deficiency disorder in the world. As per WHO report, the prevalence of anaemia in developed and developing countries in pregnant women is 14 percent and 51 percent in developed and developing countries respectively. In India, prevalence of anaemia among pregnant women is 65-75 percent as WHO report. Anaemia is one of the most important deciding factors for the outcome of pregnancy. Effects of anaemia among pregnant women include increased risk of low birth weight, prematurity, perinatal and neonatal mortality, and increased risk of maternal morbidity and mortality. Anaemia is estimated to contribute to more than 115,000 maternal deaths and 591,000 perinatal deaths globally per year. The objective of this study was to assess the awareness of anaemia during pregnancy among the pregnant women attending a health facility in District Srinagar.

Methodology: All pregnant women attending the health care facility from April, 2016 to June, 2016. A total of 110 pregnant women were included in this study. The women were interviewed using pre structured questionnaire.

Results: Majority women were in the age group > 25 years (51%), literate (62%) and para (>2) were 47%. 68% were unaware of the symptoms of anaemia, 96.2% were unaware of cardiac complications, postpartum haemorrhage and maternal mortality. 58% were unaware that iron rich food can improve anaemia and 94.6% were unaware that iron should not be taken with milk, coffee and tea.

Conclusion: There is lack of knowledge regarding grave complications of anaemia in pregnancy. There is a need for generating awareness among pregnant women regarding prevention and treatment of anaemia in pregnancy. The role of mass media in imparting the knowledge can’t be ignored.