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 women
with post-partum anemia (PPA). A prospective, cross-sectional study
was conducted in the obstetrics and gynecology (OBG) in-patient
department at secondary care hospital. Ethics committee approval was
obtained prior to the study. Total 61 women with PPA were included
after obtaining consent. Data was collected and documented in data
collection form (DCF). PPA knowledge, attitudes and practices
questionnaire (PPAKAPQ) was specially developed and utilized for
this study. Descriptive statistical analysis was carried out. Only
31.15% and 26.23% of patients had completed secondary level of
education and graduation respectively. However, 91.80% of patients
were aware of signs and symptoms of anemia and responded that they
experienced it. All patients were aware about frequency of tablet iron
and 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 attended
antenatal 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 developed
PPA. However, 88.52% of patients reported that they had taken treatment during pregnancy
on regular basis but they still suffered from PPA. This indicates that though they were aware
of PPA, their attitudes and practices were not up-to the mark. Thus in future along with
gynaecologist it is necessary to include pharmacist. Pharmacist should provide education and
counselling to women with PPA and in turn reduce burden of PPA.

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