Knowledge, Attitude and Practice Related to Iron Deficiency Anemia among Women of Child Bearing Age, Khartoum, Sudan

This cross-sectional study was conducted at Khartoum locality, Khartoum, Sudan. Ibrahim Malik teaching hospital was selected to carry out the study on their antenatal care clinic. The study was conducted in the period between October to December 2014. Purpose: We have accomplished this study due to our beliefs regarding the importance of maternity health and the key factors affecting it. One of the major and underrated factors is the importance of iron. It is necessary to explore the factorsthat lead to the development of iron deficiency anemia among pregnant Sudanese women in order to design effective interventions that reduce the burden of the problem. Methodology: A questionnaire with close-ended statementswas distributed to pregnant women who attended the antenatalcare clinic at Ibrahim Malik hospital.The questionnaire consisted of thirty-three standardized questions divided into four sections: Section A of the questionnaire covered questions on the demographics of respondents; Section B contained questions to evaluate the knowledge of respondents; Section C contained questions to evaluate the attitudes of respondents; Section D contained questions on practices of the respondents. For the calculation of the total score for risk groups of iron deficiency anemia, the weights assigned for selecting a specific group were as follows: pregnant women and children (5 points); pregnant women only (2.5 points); children (2.5 points);nursing mothers (2.5 points); elderly (1 point). The sum of frequencies for each category was then multiplied by the assigned weight points. The total sum of points calculated for all categories was then divided by the expected full total sum of the score which is the product of multiplying the sum of frequencies by 5. Using different weights for each selected item, the same procedure was followed to calculate the total sum of scores for the selection of food items. The score weights assigned for different food items were as follows: meat (5 points); pourpier (2.5 points); vegetables (2.5 points); pigeon pea (2.5 points); legumes (2.5 points); fruits (2.5 point); Grewiatennax (2.5 points); milk (1 point); others (1 point). Results: The total number of participants in this study was 119 women. The mean age of the participants was 27.3 +5 (Mean+SD). The mean level of hemoglobin for the participants was 10.4 + 0.12 gram/dl (mean + SD). Levels of hemoglobin were also found to decrease with multiparity, and primigravida had higher hemoglobin levels compared to multiparous women.60.7 % of pregnant women were identified as a high-risk group for iron deficiency anemia. 47.1 % have agreed on the importance of meat, and only 20.2 % have agreed on the importance of legumes for pregnant women. Meanwhile, 72.2 % stressed the importance of fruits during pregnancy. Interestingly, (58.0 %) stated that it is necessary to consume milk and dairy products. Interestingly, only five women mentioned that the pregnant woman should eat what she usually eats, but in a greater amount. Regarding their beliefs and attitude about the importance of taking iron tablets, 98.3% have admitted the beneficial effects of these tablets on the health of both the mother and the fetus. All women involved in the study have confirmed the importance of eating iron-rich foods during pregnancy. 86.6 % of pregnant women in the study managed to report the record of their last hemoglobin measurement. 57.1 % of the participants reported that they regularly drink tea after meals. Ninety-five participants (79.8 %) reported regular use of iron tablets during pregnancy. Conclusion: Overall, findings indicated that women who had poor knowledge of iron deficiency anemia, had unfavorable attitudes and weak practice and those who had good knowledge had appropriate behavior. Levels of knowledge and attitudes towards the factors contributing to the development of iron deficiency anemia during pregnancy were shown to be acceptable