Knowledge of pregnant women regarding effects of anaemia on pregnancy outcomes in Vhembe District, South Africa

Abstract

Introduction: Over the past 30 years, anaemia in pregnancy has remained a major problem worldwide, mostly in developing countries. The World Health Organization (WHO, 2015) defines anaemia as a condition in which the number of red blood cells or haemoglobin concentration is lower than normal. The normal Hb level for men is considered 13.2 g/dl and above and 11.6 g/dl and more in women. In pregnancy, Hb between 8-9.9 g/dl is considered mild anaemia and Hb less than 7.9 g/dl is considered moderate to severe anaemia. Methods: A quantitative research approach with a descriptive and cross-sectional design was used to conduct the study. This research was conducted in the health care facilities in Vhembe district within certain geographic areas, so the findings may differ if the sample is transformed. Consequently, the study was conducted at the selected clinics of Vhembe district, so the results may also change if the research was conducted at some other areas. The target population was pregnant women. Slovin’s formula was used to recruit 133 respondents from the selected health facilities. A self-developed structured questionnaire was used as the data collection tool. The Statistical Programme for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 28 was used to analyse collected data, while frequencies and percentages were used to present the data in tabular format. Validity and reliability were ensured by pre-testing the tool and any necessary modifications were carried out with the assistance of the supervisors. The significance of the study was to determine the knowledge of pregnant women regarding effects of anaemia on pregnancy outcomes. Results: The results of the study showed that more than 50% of pregnant women who participated in the study did not have sufficient knowledge regarding the effects of anaemia on pregnancy outcomes. Recommendations: Through the recommendations offered, the study’s findings may help mothers understand how anaemia affects the course of their pregnancies. The debarment of health may get new evidence to include in the drafting and updating policies addressing the management anaemia in pregnancy.