Anaemia-Related Knowledge Amongst Pregnant Women in Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia.

Abstract

The prevalence of anaemia amongst pregnant women in developing countries is increasing yearly, particularly in Malaysia. This problem may be due to their lack of knowledge of anaemia and food choice. This study aimed to measure the knowledge levels on anaemia and iron absorption amongst pregnant women in Kuala Terengganu, as well as the association of knowledge levels between socio-demographic characteristics. Pregnant women were selected from government health clinics located in Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia. A total of 71 pregnant women aged between 18 and 44 years participated in the study. They self-administered the socio-demographic form and the knowledge questionnaire. Overall, they had moderate knowledge level with mean score of 57.41 ± 4.80. A significant association was found between knowledge level and monthly household income (p<0.05). Meanwhile, no significant association was found between knowledge level with socio-demographic characteristics (age, gravida, occupation, husband’s occupation, and education level) (p>0.05). This study provided an early insight into knowledge of anaemia amongst pregnant women in Kuala Terengganu. Educational intervention should be implemented to increase and improve pregnant women’s knowledge of anaemia and iron absorption.

Factors Associated with Maternal Knowledge of Iron Nutrition and Supplementation in the Rural Tain District, Ghana

“…Pregnant women whose husbands have no formal/primary education and those whose husbands have middle/JHS level of education were less likely to have adequate knowledge of iron nutrition and supplementation than those whose husbands have secondary/higher education. This finding is contrary to Hasnah, et al (2020) who studied anaemia-related knowledge among pregnant women in Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia and found no association between anaemia-related knowledge among pregnant women and their husbands' level of education. This finding may be because pregnant women whose husbands have no formal/primary education may be less informed about their health and adverse pregnancy outcomes by their low-educated husbands compared to those whose husbands have higher education (Habib, Zein-Alabdin, Alenazy & Nooh, 2009).…”

Association between obesity and iron deficiency (Review)

“…While overweight and obesity are the key risk factors for many chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and certain cancers (3), iron deficiency or hypoferremia is the most prevalent single micronutrient deficiency globally (4). Untreated iron deficiency can cause iron deficiency anemia, a severe health problem that appears in the form of tiredness, reduced life productivity, and poor maternal health, especially among pregnant women (5)(6)(7)(8). Growing evidence supports the existence of an association between obesity and iron deficiency (9).…”

Assessment of Pregnant Women Knowledge Regarding Anemia during Pregnancy at Selected Hospitals of Peshawar

“…5 Findings of the study are consistent with a study from Malaysia which reported that anemia is more common among women which may be due to lack of knowledge regarding anemia. 10 Similarly, another study from Saudi Arabia Tabuk noted that majority of the women have poor knowledge and attitude towards anemia. 11 Likewise, another study from Bangladesh found that knolwdge of pregnant women regarding anemia and inaqdeuate iron intake is the main cause of anemia during pregnancy.…”