نبذة مختصرة : Background: Iron and folic acid supplements are a key intervention and mandatory forall antenatal women, irrespective of their haemoglobin status, because as gestationalweeks increase, nutrition alone is insufficient to meet the demands. On the other hand,the prevalence of anaemia remains persistently high, with 52% of antenatal womenbeing anaemic, according to NFHS-5. IFAS has shown significant benefits in reducingmaternal and foetal complications. Objectives: The aim of this study was to estimatethe magnitude of anaemia and assess knowledge about Iron and Folic AcidSupplements (IFAS) among antenatal women. Methods: An observational, descriptivecross-sectional study was conducted among 142 antenatal women selected byconvenience sampling at Government General Hospital (GGH), Kurnool. Sahli'smethod was used for haemoglobin estimation, and a structured questionnaire was usedto assess knowledge after obtaining informed consent. Results: Out of 142 antenatalwomen, 45% belonged to the 18–21-year age group, 50.7% were primi’s, and 49%were multigravidas. The magnitude of anaemia among antenatal women was normal,mild, moderate 27.4%, 61.9% and 10.56% respectively. The proportion of antenatalwomen having good, fair, and poor knowledge about IFAS was 0.7%, 52.8%, and46.4%, respectively. Conclusion: The study revealed that the majority of antenatalwomen 61.9%were anaemic, with only 27.4% having normal haemoglobin levels.Furthermore, 46.4% of the women had poor knowledge about IFAS.Hence shouldfocus more on Information, Education and Communication activities(IEC).
Processing Request
No Comments.