Abstract

TO ASSESS KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDES AND PRACTICES AMONG WOMEN WITH POSTPARTUM ANEMIA

Asra Fatima*, Kanchana N. Dussa, A. Venkateshwar Reddy, Sanaa Abdul Aziz, Md.
Sufiyan Sabahat Khan and Jalaja Veronica

ABSTRACT

Aim was to assess knowledge, attitudes and practices among womenwith post-partum anemia (PPA). A prospective, cross-sectional studywas conducted in the obstetrics and gynecology (OBG) in-patientdepartment at secondary care hospital. Ethics committee approval wasobtained prior to the study. Total 61 women with PPA were includedafter obtaining consent. Data was collected and documented in datacollection form (DCF). PPA knowledge, attitudes and practicesquestionnaire (PPAKAPQ) was specially developed and utilized forthis study. Descriptive statistical analysis was carried out. Only31.15% and 26.23% of patients had completed secondary level ofeducation and graduation respectively. However, 91.80% of patientswere aware of signs and symptoms of anemia and responded that theyexperienced it. All patients were aware about frequency of tablet ironand folic acid (IFA) however 62% were aware about duration of satreatment for anemia.However, 80.33% of patients reported that they experienced side effects (SE) of IFA.However, 40.98% of patients had knowledge about PPA. Only 50.82% patients attendedantenatal clinic (ANC). Though 50.82% patients attended ANC, still they suffered from PPA. Majority 75.41% of patients suffered from anemia during pregnancy and then developedPPA. However, 88.52% of patients reported that they had taken treatment during pregnancyon regular basis but they still suffered from PPA. This indicates that though they were awareof PPA, their attitudes and practices were not up-to the mark. Thus in future along withgynaecologist it is necessary to include pharmacist. Pharmacist should provide education andcounselling to women with PPA and in turn reduce burden of PPA.

Keywords: Counselling, Pharmacist, Intervention, Pregnancy, Nutrition.