ASSESSING PREGNANT ADOLESCENT’S WOMEN KNOWLEDGE ON ANAEMIA AT THE ANTENATAL SESSIONS IN HOLY FAMILY HOSPITAL, BEREKUM

Abstract

The study focused on adolescent’s women knowledge on anaemia at the antenatal sessions in Holy Family Hospital, Berekum. A descriptive cross-sectional survey was used to collect indepth information for the study. The respondents were obtained using the convenient sampling method. A total of 50 pregnant women were sampled for the study. The data for the study was collected by administering a questionnaire to the participants. The study found that the majority of respondents (n=45, 90%) have heard about anaemia.The majority of the respondents (32%) heard about anaemia from the hospital. The majority of the respondents (54%) perceived nutritional factors as the leading factor influencing anaemia in pregnancy, 38% revealed socio-economic factors as the leading factor influencing anaemia in pregnancy and 8% indicated socio-cultural factors as the leading factor influencing anaemia in pregnancy. The majority of the respondents (60%) indicated that they prevent anaemia by consuming Vitamin C-rich fruit, 30% of the respondents also suggested increasing dietary intake and 10% revealed personal hygiene. The study recommended that women should be empowered in terms of their education and economic status which are key in combating this menace. Also, the nutritional status of pregnant women should be assessed to increase their energy and nutrient requirements. The study concluded that anaemia as a health problem was high and the majority of the respondents perceived nutritional factors, socio-economic factors, and socio-cultural factors as factors that influence anaemia in pregnancy. However, the study revealed that socio-cultural factors contribute very little to anaemia during pregnancy.