Factors associated with anaemia in pregnancy: a case study of Matibidi Village, Ehlanzeni District, Mpumalanga, South Africa

Abstract

Pregnant women who have anaemia are more likely to experience preterm birth, low birth weight, perinatal and n eonatal mortality, which is one of the major public health issues. In the South African province of Mpumalanga, in the Matibidi Village of the Ehlanzeni District , the study's goal was to explore and identify risk factors for anaemia in pregnancy. It was do ne using a qualitative approach that combined descriptive and exploratory designs. The population consisted of pregnant women of age 18 years years and above. A Non probability purposive sampling method was used because the participants were aware of the risks associated with pregnancy. Immediately after receiving permission from the U niversity of Venda Research Ethics C ommittee ( UVREC), the researcher sought permission to access the villages from the Ch ief and Ward Councillor of Matibiti Village . I n depth one to one interview s were conducted using a semi structured approach . D ata saturation was reached at participant number 16, however, the researcher continued to interview a total of 20 participants. Fo ur criteria , dependability, conf i rmability, transferability, and credibility were used to ensure trustworthiness. Te s ch's six steps were applied to analyze the qualitative data . The findings showed that various factors in Matibiti Village contribut e to anaemia in pregnant women. These included the socio economic status, pre existing maternal chronic conditions, and religious and traditional beliefs and cultural practices of the participants R ecommendations were made based on the study's findings. R ecommendations included the need to start administering intravenous supplements like Ferramed to pregnant women who are anaemic to help improve their haemoglobin levels; health workers should be aware of religious and cultural practices interfering with a dherence to the proper pregnant health care so that they emphasi z e the ir urgency during health talks.