KNOWLEDGE AND PERCEPTION OF ANAEMIA IN PREGNANCY AMONG WOMEN OF CHILD BEARING AGE IN NIGERIA (A CASE STUDY OF IBADAN SOUTH EAST LOCAL GOVT, OYO STATE)

ABSTRACT

The study examined the knowledge and perception of anaemia in pregnancy among women of child bearing age in Ibadan South East Local Govt, Oyo State. Relevant conceptual, theoretical and empirical literature was reviewed. The target population of the study comprised selected church members from selected churches in Borno State. Three hundred (300) respondents constitute the sample size for this study. The descriptive and analytical approach was adopted using Chi-square to test and analyze the hypotheses earlier stated. Findings revealed that Women of childbearing age in Ibadan South East Local Government Area have significant knowledge of anaemia in pregnancy. Findings of the study also reveals that there is a significant relationship between women’s perception of anaemia in pregnancy and their health-seeking behaviour. Findings of the study also reveals that socio-demographic factors (such as age, education level, and income) significantly influence the knowledge and perception of anaemia in pregnancy. Finally, findings of the study further reveal that There is a significant relationship between knowledge of anaemia in pregnancy and the adoption of preventive measures. It was therefore concluded that the knowledge and perception of anaemia significantly played a role in pregnancy help seeking behavior among women of child bearing age in Ibadan South East Local Govt, Oyo State. It was concluded that to further increase awareness, health education about anaemia in pregnancy should be integrated into school curriculums for adolescent girls and young women.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

Anaemia in pregnancy remains a significant public health challenge in Nigeria, particularly among women of childbearing age in both urban and rural areas. Anaemia is a condition characterized by a reduced level of haemoglobin in the blood, leading to decreased oxygen transport to body tissues. It is commonly caused by iron deficiency, but other contributing factors include poor nutrition, infections such as malaria and helminthiasis, and chronic diseases (WHO, 2021). In pregnancy, anaemia poses serious risks to both mother and child, including increased maternal mortality, preterm birth, low birth weight, and developmental complications for the infant (Balarajan et al., 2011). Despite numerous interventions aimed at reducing the burden of anaemia among pregnant women in Nigeria, the condition remains prevalent due to gaps in knowledge, perceptions, and healthcare-seeking behaviour among women of reproductive age.

In Nigeria, the burden of anaemia in pregnancy is exacerbated by socio-economic and cultural factors. Studies have shown that poverty, low levels of education, and limited access to healthcare contribute to poor maternal nutrition and inadequate antenatal care utilization (Idowu, Mafiana & Sotiloye, 2005). In Ibadan South East Local Government Area of Oyo State, like many other parts of Nigeria, traditional beliefs and misconceptions about anaemia and pregnancy-related complications influence women's perception of the condition. Some women associate anaemia with supernatural causes rather than nutritional deficiencies, leading to reliance on traditional medicine rather than modern medical interventions (Ogunbode et al., 2012). This misinformation limits the effectiveness of iron and folic acid supplementation programs and other preventive measures designed to combat maternal anaemia.

The knowledge and perception of anaemia among women of childbearing age are crucial determinants of their willingness to adopt preventive and treatment strategies. Research indicates that many Nigerian women lack adequate knowledge about the causes, symptoms, and consequences of anaemia in pregnancy (Ekwochi et al., 2020). A study conducted in Southwestern Nigeria revealed that although antenatal clinics provide information on anaemia, many women do not fully grasp the severity of the condition, leading to poor compliance with medical advice and supplementation regimens (Oladapo et al., 2018). Furthermore, the perception of anaemia as a normal part of pregnancy rather than a serious health concern contributes to delays in seeking medical attention until complications arise.

Government and non-governmental organizations have implemented various strategies to address maternal anaemia, including micronutrient supplementation, malaria prevention programs, and community health education. However, the effectiveness of these programs depends on the level of awareness and acceptance among the target population (Uchendu et al., 2021). The role of healthcare workers in sensitizing women about anaemia is vital, but challenges such as inadequate staffing, inconsistent health messages, and cultural barriers hinder progress. In Ibadan South East, where maternal health services are available but underutilized, understanding the knowledge and perception of anaemia among women of childbearing age is necessary to develop culturally sensitive and effective interventions.

Given the high prevalence of anaemia in Nigeria and its severe implications for maternal and child health, assessing the knowledge and perception of anaemia in pregnancy among women in Ibadan South East Local Government Area is essential. By identifying gaps in awareness, this study aims to examine the knowledge and perception of anaemia in pregnancy among women of child bearing age in Ibadan South East Local Government, Oyo State.

Statement of the Problem

Anaemia in pregnancy remains a major public health issue in Nigeria, particularly among women of childbearing age. Despite efforts by the government and health organizations to reduce the prevalence of maternal anaemia, it continues to pose a significant threat to maternal and neonatal health. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines anaemia in pregnancy as a haemoglobin concentration of less than 11 g/dL, a condition that increases the risk of maternal morbidity, preterm delivery, and perinatal mortality (WHO, 2020). In Nigeria, studies indicate that the prevalence of anaemia among pregnant women is alarmingly high, ranging from 40% to 70%, with variations across different regions due to socio-economic disparities, cultural practices, and access to healthcare services (Ogundipe et al., 2016). Despite these statistics, many women, particularly in Ibadan South East Local Government Area, Oyo State, have limited knowledge about the causes, prevention, and health consequences of anaemia in pregnancy, which affects their perception and healthcare-seeking behaviour.

One of the fundamental challenges contributing to the high burden of anaemia in pregnancy is the inadequate awareness and misconceptions about its causes and preventive measures. Many women associate symptoms of anaemia, such as dizziness, fatigue, and pale skin, with normal pregnancy discomforts rather than a serious health concern (Abiodun et al., 2017). As a result, they may not seek timely medical attention or adhere to iron and folic acid supplementation, dietary modifications, and malaria prophylaxis, which are essential in preventing anaemia. Furthermore, traditional beliefs and cultural perceptions play a crucial role in shaping women's attitudes towards anaemia. Some women prefer herbal remedies and traditional practices over medically recommended interventions, thereby increasing their vulnerability to complications associated with severe anaemia (Ogunleye et al., 2019). The persistence of these misconceptions underscores the need for an in-depth examination of women's knowledge and perception of anaemia in pregnancy to identify gaps that hinder effective prevention and treatment.

Access to quality antenatal care services is another critical factor influencing the prevalence of anaemia in pregnancy. The Nigerian Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) has consistently reported that while antenatal care utilization has improved, significant disparities remain in rural and semi-urban areas where healthcare facilities are limited or underutilized (National Population Commission & ICF, 2018). In Ibadan South East, many women face challenges such as financial constraints, distance to healthcare centers, and poor healthcare worker-patient communication, which affect their willingness to attend antenatal clinics and receive necessary interventions for anaemia prevention. In addition, healthcare providers often struggle with inadequate resources, including shortages of iron supplements, malaria prevention drugs, and diagnostic tools, which further limit the effectiveness of anaemia management strategies (Afolabi et al., 2021). The combination of these barriers makes it imperative to assess how women in this region perceive anaemia and their willingness to adopt preventive measures.

Despite the existence of national policies and global recommendations for reducing anaemia in pregnancy, implementation gaps persist at the community level. The Nigerian government has launched various maternal health initiatives, including the National Iron and Folic Acid Supplementation (NIFAS) program and malaria prevention campaigns targeting pregnant women (Federal Ministry of Health, 2019). However, the impact of these interventions remains uncertain due to low awareness and compliance among the target population. Research suggests that without proper health education and community engagement, interventions may not achieve the desired reduction in anaemia prevalence (Okafor et al., 2020). Understanding the level of knowledge and perception of anaemia in pregnancy among women in Ibadan South East Local Government Area will provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of current health programs and highlight areas that require urgent attention.

Given the high burden of maternal anaemia in Nigeria and its devastating effects on maternal and child health, it is crucial to investigate the knowledge and perception of anaemia among women of childbearing age in Ibadan South East. Identifying the gaps in awareness and understanding the socio-cultural factors influencing women’s attitudes will help in designing targeted health education campaigns and policy interventions that can enhance maternal health outcomes. This study, therefore, aims to provide empirical evidence on the extent of knowledge and perception of anaemia in pregnancy, which will serve as a foundation for improving maternal health strategies in the region.

Objectives of the Study

The main objective of this study is to examine knowledge and perception of anaemia in pregnancy among women of child bearing age in Ibadan South East Local Govt, Oyo State. Specific objectives of the study include;

1. To assess the level of knowledge of anaemia in pregnancy among women of childbearing age in Ibadan South East Local Government Area.
2. To examine the perception of anaemia in pregnancy among women of childbearing age in the study area.
3. To identify the factors influencing the knowledge and perception of anaemia in pregnancy among women of childbearing age.
4. To determine the relationship between knowledge, perception, and the adoption of preventive measures against anaemia in pregnancy.

Research Questions

The following questions guided this study;

1. What is the level of knowledge of anaemia in pregnancy among women of childbearing age in Ibadan South East Local Government Area?
2. How do women of childbearing age perceive anaemia in pregnancy in the study area?
3. What are the factors influencing the knowledge and perception of anaemia in pregnancy among women of childbearing age?
4. Is there a significant relationship between knowledge, perception, and the adoption of preventive measures against anaemia in pregnancy?

Research Hypotheses

The following were hypothesized in this study;

Hypothesis 1

H₀: Women of childbearing age in Ibadan South East Local Government Area have no significant knowledge of anaemia in pregnancy.

H₁: Women of childbearing age in Ibadan South East Local Government Area have significant knowledge of anaemia in pregnancy.

Hypothesis 2

H₀: There is no significant relationship between women’s perception of anaemia in pregnancy and their health-seeking behaviour.

H₁: There is a significant relationship between women’s perception of anaemia in pregnancy and their health-seeking behaviour.

Hypothesis 3

H₀: Socio-demographic factors (such as age, education level, and income) do not significantly influence the knowledge and perception of anaemia in pregnancy.
H₁: Socio-demographic factors (such as age, education level, and income) significantly influence the knowledge and perception of anaemia in pregnancy.

Hypothesis 4

H₀: There is no significant relationship between knowledge of anaemia in pregnancy and the adoption of preventive measures.
H₁: There is a significant relationship between knowledge of anaemia in pregnancy and the adoption of preventive measures.

Significance of the Study

The significance of this study on the knowledge and perception of anaemia in pregnancy among women of childbearing age in Ibadan South East Local Government Area, Oyo State, lies in its potential to contribute to maternal and child health improvement in Nigeria. Anaemia in pregnancy is a critical public health concern, and understanding the awareness, perceptions, and influencing factors surrounding this condition will provide valuable insights for various stakeholders, including pregnant women, healthcare providers, policymakers, and public health organizations.

The findings of this study will benefit women of childbearing age, particularly pregnant women, by highlighting their level of knowledge and perception of anaemia in pregnancy. It will help in identifying knowledge gaps and misconceptions that may hinder their ability to adopt preventive measures such as proper nutrition, iron and folic acid supplementation, malaria prevention, and regular antenatal care attendance. Increased awareness will empower them to make informed decisions regarding their health, thereby reducing maternal morbidity and improving pregnancy outcomes.

For healthcare providers, this study will serve as a useful resource in understanding the barriers to anaemia prevention and treatment among pregnant women. It will provide insights into the effectiveness of current health education programs, enabling healthcare professionals to develop better communication strategies that address cultural beliefs and misconceptions about anaemia. By tailoring interventions based on the study’s findings, healthcare workers can enhance patient education, promote behavioural change, and improve adherence to anaemia prevention strategies.

The study will also be beneficial to policymakers and government agencies involved in maternal and child health programs. The findings will help in evaluating the effectiveness of existing policies and interventions aimed at reducing anaemia in pregnancy. Based on the identified challenges, policymakers can develop targeted programs to improve access to antenatal care, provide subsidized or free iron supplements, and strengthen community-based health education initiatives. Furthermore, the results will support the formulation of policies that address socio-economic and cultural barriers affecting women's health-seeking behaviour.

For non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and public health institutions, this study will offer evidence-based data to guide advocacy efforts, community sensitization programs, and the implementation of maternal health projects. NGOs working on maternal and child health can use the findings to design educational campaigns and outreach programs that focus on increasing awareness of anaemia in pregnancy, improving dietary practices, and promoting the importance of early antenatal care attendance.

Additionally, academic researchers and scholars in the fields of public health, nutrition, and maternal health will find the study valuable for future research. It will serve as a reference point for further studies on anaemia in pregnancy, contributing to the broader body of knowledge on maternal health in Nigeria. The findings can also stimulate discussions on innovative approaches to addressing anaemia-related challenges in low-resource settings.

Overall, this study will have significant implications for reducing maternal mortality and morbidity rates associated with anaemia in pregnancy. By providing actionable insights to various stakeholders, it will contribute to achieving better maternal health outcomes and support Nigeria’s efforts towards meeting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 3) on good health and well-being.

The study was conducted to examine the knowledge and perception of anaemia in pregnancy among women of childbearing age in Ibadan South East Local Government Area, Oyo State, Nigeria. It focused on assessing the level of awareness and understanding of anaemia in pregnancy, as well as identifying the perceptions that influenced women’s attitudes and health-seeking behaviours regarding the condition. The research covered a range of factors, including socio-demographic characteristics, sources of information, cultural beliefs, and the extent to which knowledge translated into preventive actions.

The study was limited to women within the reproductive age range (15–49 years) who were either pregnant or had previous pregnancy experience. Their responses provided insights into how knowledge and perception shaped their willingness to adopt preventive measures such as iron supplementation, dietary modifications, and regular antenatal visits. Healthcare providers and other stakeholders were not the primary focus of the study; however, their role in disseminating health information was considered in the analysis.

Geographically, the study was confined to Ibadan South East Local Government Area, chosen due to its diverse population and representation of both urban and semi-urban communities. This area provided a suitable setting to explore variations in knowledge and perception among women from different socio-economic backgrounds. The findings, though specific to this locality, had broader implications for maternal health policies and interventions in similar settings across Nigeria.

The study adopted a quantitative research approach, utilizing a structured questionnaire to collect data from participants. The questionnaire captured information on demographic characteristics, knowledge levels, perception, and factors influencing awareness and health-seeking behaviour regarding anaemia in pregnancy. The study did not focus on clinical diagnosis or biochemical assessment of anaemia among participants; instead, it relied on self-reported knowledge and experiences.

The study period was defined within a specific timeframe to ensure data collection and analysis were completed systematically. While the research provided valuable insights, its scope was limited by factors such as participants' willingness to provide accurate responses and the potential influence of recall bias in reporting past pregnancy experiences. However, these limitations did not undermine the study’s significance in contributing to the understanding of anaemia in pregnancy among women in the study area.

Operational Definition of Terms

Anaemia in Pregnancy – A condition characterized by a lower-than-normal level of red blood cells or haemoglobin in the blood during pregnancy, leading to fatigue, weakness, dizziness, and increased health risks for both the mother and the baby. In this study, it refers to self-reported knowledge and perception of low blood levels among pregnant women in Ibadan South East Local Government Area.

Knowledge of Anaemia in Pregnancy – The awareness and understanding that women of childbearing age have regarding the causes, symptoms, risk factors, prevention, and treatment of anaemia during pregnancy. This is measured by responses to questions assessing familiarity with anaemia-related information.

Perception of Anaemia in Pregnancy – The beliefs, attitudes, and opinions that women hold regarding anaemia in pregnancy, including their perceived severity, causes, and the importance of seeking medical intervention. This is assessed through self-reported views on anaemia and its management.

Women of Childbearing Age – Women between the ages of 15 and 49 who are biologically capable of becoming pregnant. In this study, it includes both pregnant women and those who have had prior pregnancy experience within Ibadan South East Local Government Area.