Maternal knowledge, food restriction and prevention strategies related to anaemia in pregnancy: a cross-sectional study

Timothy A. Ekwere; Anyiekere M. Ekanem

doi:10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20150492

Authors

Timothy A. Ekwere Department of Haematology, University of Uyo, University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, Uyo Akwa-Ibom State
Anyiekere M. Ekanem Department of Community Health, University of Uyo, University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, Uyo Akwa-Ibom State

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20150492

Keywords:

Anaemia, Pregnancy, Food Restriction, Ante natal care, Custom, Religion

Abstract

Background: Anaemia is a major cause of morbidity and mortality among pregnant women in developing countries including Nigeria, affecting about 33% - 75% of all pregnant women. The burden and predisposing factors varies even within countries.

Methods:A cross sectional descriptive was conducted; participants were recruited using consecutive sampling technique. Data were obtained from study consented participants using pretested self-administered questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS for Windows Version 17.0. Significant level was set at p < 0.05.

Results: A total of 121 pregnant women with a mean age of 25.69±4.51 years participated in the study. Majority had post-primary education. The women exhibited good knowledge of anaemia in pregnancy. However, restriction of food including those rich in carbohydrates, proteins and alcoholic beverages (27.3%, 14.9%, and 56.8% respectively) was a common practice. Customs and religious beliefs were a major influence on food restrictions (50.8% and 28% respectively). Iron and folate supplementation, balanced diet, use of long lasting insecticide net, regular ante natal clinic visits among others were strategies respondents believes could help mitigate against this condition.

Conclusions:The respondents had good knowledge of anaemia in pregnancy. However, restriction of nutritious food other than alcoholic beverages by significant proportion of the respondents is a cause for concern as this is a potential risk for anaemia in pregnancy. Nutrition education should be enhanced and sustained.

Metrics

Metrics Loading ...

References

WHO/CDC. Worldwide prevalence of anaemia 1993 – 2005: WHO Global database on anaemia. WHO press 2008, Geneva, Switzerland.

WHO. The prevention of anaemia in women: a tabulation of available information. Geneva Switzerland: WHO 1992. WHO/MCH/MSM/92.2.

WHO. Prevention and management of severe anaemia in pregnancy. Report of a technical working group. Geneva Switzerland: WHO; 1993. WHL/FHE/MSM/93.3.

Dorothy JV, Hugh SB, Melah GS, El-Nafaty AU, Crossey MJ, Glew RH. Nutritional factors associated with anaemia in pregnant women in Northern Nigeria. Journal of Health, Population and Nutrition. 2006;24:1-7.

Baidoo SE, Tay SCK, Obiri-Danso K, Abruquah HH. Intestinal helminthic infection and anaemia in pregnancy. A community based study in Ghana. Journal of Bacteriology Research. 2010;2:9-13.

Van den Broek NR, Rogerson SJ, Mhango CG, Kambala B, White SA, Molyneux ME. Anaemia in pregnancy in southern Malawi: prevalence and risk factors. BJOG. 2000;107(4):445-51.

Adinma JIB, Ikechebelu JI, Onyejimbe UN, Amilo G, Adinma E. Influence of ante-natal care on the haematocrit value of pregnant Nigerian Igbo women. Trop. J Obstet Gynaecol 2002;19:68–70.

Amadi AN, Onwere S, Kamanu CI, Njoku OO, Aluka. Study on the association between maternal malaria infection and anaemia. J Med Invest Pract. 2000;1:23-25.

Achidi EA, Kouh AJ, Minang JT, Ngum B, Achimbom BM, Motaze SC, et.al. Malaria infection in pregnancy and its effect on haemoglobin levels in women from malaria endemic area of Fako division South-West province, Cameroon. J Obstet Gynaecol. 2005;25(3):235-40.

Ali NS, Azam SI, Noor R. Women’s beliefs and practices regarding food restrictions during pregnancy and lactation: a hospital based study. J Ayub Med Coll Abbottabad. 2004;16(3):29-31.

Maduforo AN. Superstition and nutrition among pregnant women in Nwangele Local Government Area of Imo state, Nigeria. JORIND. 2010;(8):2.

Chang S, Zeng L, Brouwer ID, Kok FJ, Yan H. Effect of iron deficiency anaemia in pregnancy on child mental health in rural China. Paediatrics. 2013;131(3):e755-e63.

Nwizu EN, Iliyasu, Ibrahim SA, Galadanci HS. Socio-Demographic and maternal factors in anaemia in pregnancy at booking in Kano, Northern Nigerian. African Journal of Reproductive Health. 2011;15(4):33-41.

Kwapong MA, Dwumfour-Asare B. Anaemia, awareness, beliefs and practices among pregnant women: a baseline assessment at Brosankro community in Ghana. Journal of Natural Sciences Research. 2013;5:15.

National Population Commission of Nigeria. 2006 census figures: population distribution by age and sex. Available: www.population.gov.ng/indexphp/census. Assessed August 2014.

Buseri FI, Uko EK, Jeremiah ZA, Usanga EA. Prevalence and risk factors of anaemia among pregnant women in Nigeria. The open journal. 2008;2:14-9.

Yadav RK, Swamy MK, Banjade B. Knowledge and practice of anaemia among pregnant women attending ante natal care in Dr. Prabhakar Kore hospital Karnataka- a cross-sectional study. IOSR–JDMS. 2014;13(41):74-80.

Panigragi A, Sahoo BP. Nutritional anaemia and its epidemiological correlates among women of reproductive age in urban slum of Bhubaneswar, Orissa. Indian journal of Public health 2011;55(4):317-20.

Hoffbrand AV, Moss PAH editors. Erythropoiesis and general aspect of anaemia. In: Essential Haematology. 6th Ed, Oxford UK, Wiley-Blackwell publisher, 2011; 15-32.

Kalimbria AA, Mtimuni BM, Chilima DM. Maternal knowledge and practices related to anaemia and iron supplementation in rural malaria: a cross-sectional study. AJFAND 2009;9(1):550-64.

Bentley ME, Griffiths PL. The burden of anaemia among women in India. Euro J Clin Nutr. 2003;57(1):52-60.

Kalaivani K. Prevalence and consequences of anaemia in pregnancy. Indian J Med Res. 2009;130:627-33.

Allen LH. Anaemia and iron deficiency: effects on pregnancy outcome. AM J Clin Nutr. 2000;71(5):1280s-84s.

King J. Physiology of pregnancy and nutrient metabolism. AM J Clin Nutr. 2000;71(5):121-2.

Koryo-Dabra A, Nti CA, Adanu R. Dietary practice and nutrient intake in pregnant women in Accra Ghana. Currs Res J Biol Sci. 2012;4(4):358-65.

Huyberegs LF, Roberfroid DA, Kolsteren PW, Van Camp JH. Dietary behaviour, food and nutrient intake of pregnant women in a rural community in Burkina Faso. Matern. Child Nutr 2009;5(3):211-22.

Maduforo AN, Nwosu OIC. Food superstition, feeding practices and nutritional anthropometry of pregnant women. JORIND. 2013;11(1):12-28.

Sholeye OO, Badejo CA, Jeminusi OA. Dietary habits of pregnant women in Ogun-East senatorial zone, Ogun state: a comparative study. Int J Nutr Metab. 2014;6(4):42-9.

Ogbeide O. Nutritional Hazards of taboo and preferences in mid-West-Nigeria. AM J Clin Nutr. 1974;27:213-6.

Kuzma J, Paofa D, Kaugla N, Ctherine T, Samiak S, Kumei E. Food tobacco and traditional customs among pregnant women in Papua New Guinea. Missed opportunity for education in ante natal clinics. DWU Research Journal. 2013;19:1-11.

Esmailzadeh A, Sarareh Azadbaklit S. Dietary pattern among pregnant women in western Iran. Pak J Biol Sci. 2008;11(5):793-6.

Ornoy A, Ergaz Z. Alcohol abuse in pregnant women: effects on the foetus and new-born, mode of action and maternal treatment. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2010;7(2):364-79.

Baby A, Venugopal J, D’Silva R, Chackos S, Vineesha PV, Kumary TV. Knowledge on management of anaemia during pregnancy: a descriptive study. Arch Med Health Sci. 2014;2:140-4.

Mohannad A, Rizvi F, Irfan G. Impact of maternal education and socioeconomic status on maternal nutritional knowledge and practice regarding iron rich food supplementation. Ann Pak Inst Med Sci. 2012;8(20):101-6.

Gadallah M, Rady M, Salem B, Aly EM, Anwer W. The effect of nutritional intervention programme on the prevalence of anaemia among pregnant women in rural areas of Belbis district-Sharkia Governorate– Egypt. J Egypt Public Health Assoc. 2002;77(3-4):261-73.

Osungbade KO, Oladunjoye AO. Preventive treatment of iron deficiency anaemia in pregnancy: a review of their effectiveness and implications for health system strengthening. Journal of Pregnancy 2012; Article ID 454601. DOI: 10.1155/2012/454601.

World Health Organization (WHO). Insecticide-treated net to reduce the risk of malaria in pregnant women. Geneva, 2014. Available online www.who.int/elena/titles/bednets_malaria_pregnancy.

Singh M, Brown G, Rogerson SJ. Ownership and use of insecticide treated nets during pregnancy in Sub-Saharan Africa: a review. Malaria journal. 2013;12:268.