Project – LEVEL OF AWARENESS ON THE PREVENTION OF ANAEMIA AMONG PREGNANT WOMEN. A CASE STUDY OF BWARI PRIMARY HEALTH CARE

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study

Anaemia is a major public health concern affecting millions of people globally, particularly pregnant women in low‑ and middle‑income countries. Defined as a condition in which the haemoglobin concentration in the blood is lower than normal, anaemia reduces the oxygen‑carrying capacity of red blood cells and jeopardizes both maternal and fetal health (World Health Organization [WHO], 2020). Pregnant women are especially vulnerable due to increased iron requirements for fetal growth and expanded maternal blood volume. According to WHO (2020), approximately 38% of pregnant women worldwide suffer from anaemia, with the highest burden in Africa and Southeast Asia.

Anaemia in pregnancy is associated with adverse outcomes such as preterm birth, low birth weight, maternal mortality, and impaired cognitive development in children (Kassebaum et al., 2016). The most common form, iron‑deficiency anaemia, arises primarily from inadequate dietary intake of iron, poor absorption, blood loss, and increased physiological demands during pregnancy (Milman, 2011). Other contributors include micronutrient deficiencies (folate, vitamin B12), infections (malaria, helminths), and chronic diseases. In Nigeria, national surveys show that anaemia remains endemic among women of reproductive age and pregnant women, undermining efforts toward maternal and child health improvement (NPC & ICF, 2019).

Awareness of anaemia prevention strategies is critical to reducing its prevalence. Prevention encompasses nutrition education, iron‑folate supplementation, malaria prevention, routine antenatal care (ANC), and deworming (WHO, 2016). Studies have indicated that women’s knowledge about anaemia, its causes, consequences, and preventive measures strongly influences health‑seeking behaviour and adherence to recommended interventions (Chandyo et al., 2018; Gebre et al., 2019). Despite global and national efforts, evidence suggests that knowledge gaps persist among pregnant women, particularly in peri‑urban and rural settings where access to health information and services is limited (Haile et al., 2019).

Bwari, located within the Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria, encompasses diverse communities with varying levels of access to health care. Primary Health Care facilities serve as the first point of contact for most pregnant women, offering antenatal services including iron supplementation, health education, and malaria prevention. Yet anecdotal reports from health workers at Bwari Primary Health Care indicate that many women attend ANC late, do not complete iron supplementation regimens, and are unaware of the full implications of anaemia during pregnancy.

Understanding the level of awareness on anaemia prevention among pregnant women attending Bwari Primary Health Care is therefore crucial. By assessing awareness levels and identifying knowledge gaps, this study seeks to inform targeted interventions that promote healthy pregnancy outcomes and reduce anaemia burden in the community.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Despite the high prevalence of anaemia among pregnant women in Nigeria, there remains a considerable gap in awareness and practice of preventive measures (NPC & ICF, 2019; Umeora et al., 2018). In many primary health care settings, including Bwari, the assumption that routine ANC attendance equates to sufficient knowledge about anaemia prevention may be flawed. Health education during ANC may be limited due to staff workload, cultural barriers, or inconsistent messaging. Consequently, pregnant women may attend clinics but fail to understand the importance of iron‑folate supplementation, balanced nutrition, malaria prevention, and regular follow‑ups.

Several studies have reported that low awareness contributes to poor uptake of preventive strategies, non‑compliance with supplementation, and late presentation for care (Adu et al., 2020; Haile et al., 2019). This deficiency not only elevates the risk of maternal anaemia but also increases the likelihood of neonatal complications and maternal mortality. In Bwari, there is scant empirical evidence documenting how aware pregnant women are of anaemia prevention practices, the sources of their information, and the socio‑demographic factors that influence awareness.

The absence of such evidence undermines efforts by health planners and policy makers to design effective educational programs and resource allocation. Without a clear picture of awareness levels, interventions may remain generic and fail to address specific knowledge gaps. Therefore, this study investigates the level of awareness on the prevention of anaemia among pregnant women at Bwari Primary Health Care to provide data‑driven recommendations for health education and service improvement.

1.3 Research Objectives

The main objective of this study is to assess the level of awareness on the prevention of anaemia among pregnant women attending Bwari Primary Health Care.

Specific objectives:

1. To determine pregnant women’s knowledge of the causes and risk factors of anaemia.

2. To assess pregnant women’s awareness of preventive measures for anaemia.

3. To examine the association between socio‑demographic characteristics and awareness levels on anaemia prevention.

4. To identify the primary sources of information on anaemia prevention among pregnant women.

1.4 Research Questions

1. What is the level of knowledge of the causes and risk factors of anaemia among pregnant women at Bwari Primary Health Care?

2. How aware are pregnant women of preventive measures for anaemia?

3. Is there an association between socio‑demographic characteristics and awareness levels on anaemia prevention?

4. What are the main sources of information on anaemia prevention for pregnant women?

1.5 Research Hypothesis

H₀: There is no significant association between pregnant women’s socio‑demographic characteristics and their level of awareness on anaemia prevention at Bwari Primary Health Care.

H1: There is a significant association between pregnant women’s socio‑demographic characteristics and their level of awareness on anaemia prevention at Bwari Primary Health Care.

1.6 Significance of the Study

This study is significant for several reasons:

1. Policy and Planning: Findings will provide empirical evidence to guide health policy makers and program planners in designing targeted health education interventions to improve anaemia prevention among pregnant women.

2. Clinical Practice: Health care providers at Bwari Primary Health Care can use the results to tailor counselling sessions during ANC, ensuring women receive clear and actionable information.

3. Community Awareness: Understanding prevalent knowledge gaps will help community health workers and non‑governmental organizations to develop community‑based education programs that resonate with local cultural contexts.

4. Academic Contribution: The study will add to the body of knowledge on maternal health awareness in Nigeria, especially in peri‑urban settings where data are limited.

1.7 Scope of the Study

This study is limited to pregnant women attending antenatal care at Bwari Primary Health Care. It focuses on their level of awareness regarding anaemia prevention, including knowledge of causes, risk factors, and preventive measures. The research does not extend to clinical diagnosis of anaemia status nor to nutritional or biochemical assessments.

1.8 Operational Definitions of Terms

• Anaemia: A condition in which the haemoglobin level is lower than normal, reducing the blood’s ability to carry oxygen (WHO, 2020).

• Awareness: The level of knowledge or understanding people have about anaemia and its prevention.

• Prevention: Actions taken to reduce the risk of anaemia, such as iron‑folate supplementation, balanced diet, malaria prevention, and routine ANC attendance.

• Pregnant Women: Women who are currently carrying a fetus and attending antenatal care at the selected facility.

• Primary Health Care: Basic health services that include antenatal care, health education, immunization, and preventive care.

Project – LEVEL OF AWARENESS ON THE PREVENTION OF ANAEMIA AMONG PREGNANT WOMEN. A CASE STUDY OF BWARI PRIMARY HEALTH CARE