Womens Health Education On Anemia And Its Dangers
Anemia is a common global public health problem (GPHP) affecting both developing and developed countries with major consequences for human health as well as social and economic development. It occurs at all stages of the life cycle, but is more prevalent in pregnant women and young children in both rich and poor countries. In 2002, iron deficiency anemia (IDA) was considered to be among the most important contributing factors to the global burden of disease (1).
Anemia is one of the most common factors complicating pregnancy worldwide specially in the development countries, and Palestine is one among of those countries .In Gaza strip ,an overall prevalence of anemia is more than 35% among pregnant women .most studies have demonstrated adverse effects of anemia to both pregnant women and their offsprings mainly in developing countries due to several factors. The more etiologic factor for anemia among pregnancy being iron and folic acid deficiency(2-4)
Anemia is the result of a wide variety of causes that can be isolated, but more often coexist. Globally, the most significant contributor to the onset of anemia is iron deficiency so that IDA and anemia are often used synonymously, and the prevalence of anemia has often been used as a proxy for IDA. It is generally assumed that 50% of the cases of anemia are due to iron deficiency (5), but the proportion may vary among population groups and in different areas according to the local conditions. The main risk factors for IDA include a low intake of iron, poor absorption of iron from diets high in phytate or phenolic compounds, and period of life when iron requirements are especially high (i.e. growth and
Among the other causes of anemia, heavy blood loss as a result of menstruation, or parasite infections such as hookworms and ascaris can decrease blood haemoglobin (Hb) concentrations level. Acute and chronic infections, including malaria, HIV, tuberculosis, and cancer can also lower blood Hb concentrations level. The existence of other micronutrient deficiencies, including vitamins A and B12, folate,
riboflavin, and copper can increase the risk of anemia. Furthermore,
the impact of haemoglobinopathies on anemia prevalence needs to be
within some population.
Anemia is an indicator of both poor nutrition and poor health. The most dramatic health effects of anemia, i.e., increased risk of maternal and child mortality due to severe anemia (6-8).
To tackle the problem of iron deficiency and anemia, WHO recommended the adoption of a multidisciplinary approach tailored to specific circumstances including increased iron intake, public health measures and food versification. Consistent with this strategy, UNRWA implemented a programme for prevention and treatment of iron deficiency anemia. comprising medicinal iron supplementation, fortification of wheat flour distributed to the target groups benefiting from the Agency's regular and emergency food aid programmes, and expanding the use of modern contraceptive methods (3,4).
In addition, the negative consequences of IDA on cognitive and physical
development of children, and on physical performance - particularly work productivity in adults - are of major concern (5).
Previous studies have shown a very high prevalence of anemia among Palestinian refugees specially among antenatal mothers(3).
Hence , it is essential that in Palestine, especially in Gaza strip the women should be aware of anemia to reduce the complication during pregnancy.
Objectives of the study
1-To assess the level of awareness and public knowledge of anemia among the Palestinian refugee pregnant women in Gaza strip.
2-To assess if there is a difference between women with and without health education session.
3-To develop a baseline data regarding awareness of anemia among pregnant women for further studies.
Scope of the study
The study aims to assess the level of public knowledge and awareness of anemia among pregnant women who attended UNRWA health care centers(HCCs) for antenatal care in the middle district of Gaza strip by collecting the information from 164 women from four UNRWA health care centers in Gaza.
1-The Palestinian refugee pregnant women were awareness and had
a knowledge of anemia at a medium level .
2-There is a difference between women with and without health education session regarding anemia .
Benefits of the study
1-To know the knowledge and awareness regarding anemia among pregnant women living in Gaza strip and who are attending UNRWA health care centers (HCCs) for antenatal care and follow-up.
2-To know if attending health education sessions about anemia affects the knowledge and awareness of women by assessing the women with and without health education sessions about anemia in Gaza strip.
Literature review studies
To conduct the study, the researcher has reviewed related studies and reports about anemia status among pregnant women attending UNRWA health care centers for antenatal care in Gaza strip.
Nutritional survey conducted by UNRWA in (1961,1978 and 1984)
Nutrition surveys conducted among the Palestine refugees in 1961, 1978 and 1984 revealed that more than 50 per cent of preschool children 0-3 years of age and women in reproductive age suffer from iron deficiency anemia.
Nutritional survey conducted among pregnant women by WHO in (1990)
In 1990, a nutrition survey was conducted by the WHO Collaborating Center at Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta in four Fields of UNRWA's area of operations, namely Jordan, the Syrian Arab Republic (SAR), Gaza Strip and the West Bank. The survey revealed that the prevalence of iron deficiency anemia among pregnant women ranged between 31.3% in the first trimester to 58.9% in the third trimester Agency-wide, while the prevalence among children 6-36 months of age ranged between 57.8% in the West Bank and 75.3% in SAR. A new intervention strategy for iron supplementation was then introduced in 1991, which was amended in 1995 placing special emphasis on treatment.
Nutritional survey conducted among infants ,preschool children and pregnant women by WHO in (1998)
In October 1998, the WHO Collaborating Centre at CDC conducted a nutritional survey in Gaza Strip, the results of which revealed that iron-deficiency anemia was still high among high-risk groups, namely infants, preschool children and pregnant women.
A study conducted among pregnant women by UNRWA in (1999)
In 1999, UNRWA conducted a study to assess the maternal health programme which revealed inter-alia that the prevalence of anemia among pregnant women was 44.7% in Gaza, 35.5% in the West Bank, 32.1% in Jordan, 28.6% in Lebanon and 27% in Syria. In addition, the study showed that the prevalence of anemia progressively increases during the course of pregnancy as well as with parity. Anemia below 9g/dl constituted 1.4% of pregnant women. This suggests that in spite of the interventions that the Agency had, so far, undertaken, iron-deficiency anemia, still represents a major public health problem.
A study conducted among pregnant women, nursing mothers and children 6-36 months by UNRWA during (2004)
During 2004, UNRWA conducted a follow-up study to assess the prevalence of anemia among pregnant women, nursing mothers and children 6-36 months of age in order to assess the impact of these strategies on the prevalence among pregnant women, nursing mothers and children.
The study revealed that the overall prevalence of anemia among pregnant women varied from 35.7% in Gaza, to 29.5% in the West Bank, to 25.5% in Lebanon, to 22.4% in Jordan and 16.2% in Syria. Although, the overall prevalence of anemia among pregnant women in all Fields dropped since the last assessment in 1999, these rates are still considered to be high. The reason for this drop could be attributed to the prophylactic iron supplementation which is provided for all pregnant women upon registration. There is a progressive rise in the prevalence of anemia during the course of pregnancy, which confirms that iron intake during pregnancy, does not meet the increased physiological requirements.
Another study conducted among children 6-36 months, pregnant women and nursing mothers by UNRWA in (2004)
Another study by UNRWA in 2004 on the prevalence of iron
deficiency anemia among children 6 to 36 months of age, pregnant women and nursing mothers, revealed that anemia in Gaza Strip was fairly high (54.7% among children, 35.7% among pregnant women and 45.7% among nursing mothers. The corresponding rates in the West Bank were 34.3% among children, 29.5% among pregnant women and 23.1% among nursing mothers). The high prevalence of anemia for many children may cause permanent negative effects on their physical and mental development. It is worth mentioning that the prevalence of anemia among infants 6 to 12 months of age reached 75% in Gaza(9).
Definition of anemia
Anemia is defined as a decrease in the number of red blood cells (RBCs) or in the total hemoglobin levels in the blood due to lack of sufficient iron (10,11).more specifically , it means lack in the concentration of hemoglobin, red blood cell volume, or red blood cell (RBCs) number(12).
Normally hemoglobin carries oxygen from the lungs to the body tissues, anemia leads to hypoxia which means lack of oxygen in the blood .There are three main types of anemia which include :
1- Excessive blood loss such as bleeding
2-Excessive blood cell destruction
3-Insufficient red blood cell production within the human body (13).
Signs and symptoms of anemia
The signs and symptoms of anemia can be related to the anemia itself, or other causes and the women may experience these symptoms differently :
In common cases, most women with anemia has a non-specific symptoms such as weakness, or fatigue, general malaise and sometimes poor concentration.
In addition, the signs may include abnormal pallor or lack color of the skin, and nail beds upon clinical examination is performed .
In severe cases of anemia, there may be signs of circulation disturbances such as tachycardia, and cardiac enlargement.
There may be signs of heart failure. and restless legs syndrome is more common in those with iron deficiency anemia (IDA) patients .
Swelling of both legs, arms, vomiting, chronic heartburn, and bloody stool may appear in rare cases(14).
Main symptoms that may appear in anemia (14)
Diagnosis of anemia
In general, In the first time of diagnosis of anemia a simple blood test is ordered by the physician called complete blood counts (CBC ) .Another blood tests can be ordered is examination of a stained blood smear (SBS) by a microscope which could be helpful in the diagnosis of anemia, and sometimes it will be necessary in some countries internationally where automated analysis is not easily accessible.
Usually and commonly four blood components are ordered and measured consists of hemoglobin concentration , RBC count, RDW and MCV, allowing others (hematocrit, MCH and MCHC) to be calculated, and to be compared to values according to age and sex. Some counters measurement estimate hematocrit level (Hct) from direct measurements in the same time (15).
Table 2.1 WHO's Hemoglobin thresholds used to define anemia (1 g/Dl = 0.6206Â mmol/L)(15)
Age or gender group
Hb threshold (g/dl)
Hb threshold (mmol/l)
Children (0.5-5.0 yrs)
Children (5-12 yrs)
Children (12-15 yrs)
Women, non-pregnant (>15yrs)
Anemia during pregnancy
Anemia in pregnancy is defined as hemoglobin level less than (11g/dl ) or hematocrit level less than (33%) (16). It aggravates the effects of maternal blood loss and infections at childbirth, and is associated with increased maternal mortality and morbidity(17,18). iron deficiency is usually considered as the most common cause of anemia in pregnancy (16).
Anemia occurs when the number of red blood cells are very low under the normal level . Red blood cells are very important blood component because they carry oxygen from lungs to all body organs. Without sufficient amount of oxygen, the body cannot work as well as it should.
Anemia can affect any individual, but women are at greater risk for this condition. In women, iron and red blood cells are lost when bleeding or hemorrhage occurs from very heavy or long periods (menstruation).
Anemia is common among pregnant women because a woman needs to have adequate red blood cells to carry oxygen to women body and to her baby. So it's important for women to prevent anemia before, during and after pregnancy. Women will probably be tested for anemia regularly at least twice during pregnancy: during the first prenatal visit and then again between 24 and 28 weeks(19).
Anemia is a condition of less red blood cells, or a lack ability of the red blood cells to carry oxygen or iron in the blood. Tissue enzymes dependent on iron in the blood can affect cell function in the body mainly in muscles and nerves .then the fetus is dependent on the mother's blood and anemia can cause problems before and after pregnancy such as preterm birth, poor fetal growth , and low birth weight(20).
Main causes of anemia during pregnancy
Iron deficiency anemia
Women often become anemic during pregnancy because the demand for iron and other vitamins is increased. The mother must increase her production of red blood cells and, in addition, the foetus and placenta need their own supply of iron, which can only be obtained from the mother. In order to have enough red blood cells for the foetus, the body starts to produce more red blood cells and plasma. It has been calculated that the blood volume increases approximately 50 per cent during the pregnancy, although the plasma amount is disproportionately greater. This causes a dilution of the blood, making the hemoglobin concentration fall. This is a normal process, with the hemoglobin concentration at its lowest between weeks 25 and 30. The pregnant woman may need additional iron supplementation, and a blood test called serum ferritin is the best way of monitoring this(21).
Illness or Disease
Some women may have an illness that causes anemia. Diseases such as sickle cell anemia or thalassemia affect the quality and number of red blood cells the body produces. If you have a disease that causes anemia, talk with your health provider about how to treat anemia(22).
Types of anemia in pregnancy
There are several types of anemia that may occur during pregnancy:
Iron deficiency anemia
This is the most common type of anemia during pregnancy. It is known as the lack of iron in the blood, which is essential to produce hemoglobin - the part of blood that carries oxygen from the lungs to tissues and many organs in the body. Good nutrition system to the women before becoming pregnant is very important to help build up these stores and prevent iron deficiency anemia during pregnancy period.
Blood loss at delivery and after delivery (postpartum) can also cause anemia. The average blood loss with a vaginal birth is about 500 milliliters, and about 1,000 milliliters with a cesarean delivery. Sufficient iron stores can help a woman replace lost red blood cells during delivery.
Vitamin B12 deficiency
Vitamin B12 is essential in forming red blood cells (RBCs) and in protein synthesis. Women who eat no animal products (vegans) are commonly most likely to develop vitamin B12 deficiency. Including animal foods in the diet such as meats, milk, eggs, and poultry can prevent vitamin B12 deficiency. Very severe vegans usually need supplemental vitamin B12 which usually administered by injection during pregnancy.
Folic acid deficiency
Folic acid, is a B-vitamin that works with iron to help with cell development and growth. Folic acid deficiency in pregnancy is most commonly associated with iron deficiency since both folic acid and iron are found in the same types of nutrition. Several Studies revealed that folic acid is necessary for women during pregnancy ,this maybe because folic acid help reduce the risk of having congenital baby with certain birth defects of the brain and spinal cord if taken by the women before conception and in early pregnancy (20).
Symptoms of anemia during pregnancy
Women with anemia during pregnancy may not have obvious symptoms unless the cell counts are very low. The following are the most common symptoms of anemia that may occur in pregnancy. However, each woman may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:
pale skin, ,nails, lips, palms of hands
underside of the eyelids
vertigo or dizziness
rapid heartbeat (tachycardia)
The symptoms of anemia may similar other conditions or medical problems .So you should always consult your physician for a diagnosis and treatment(20).
Diagnosing of anemia during pregnancy
Depending on clinical symptoms, anemia is usually discovered during antenatal screening specially in the first visit of pregnant women to the antenatal care clinics for antenatal care and follow up. Normally ,Blood tests are usually measured on the first visit to antenatal health center, and again during pregnancy .
A description of Hemoglobin(Hbs) ,red blood cells (RBCs) and their different components will be included in the blood test result.
Possible complications of anemia and iron deficiency anemia during pregnancy
There are several possible complications may occur during pregnancy which threats women health such as:
Breathing difficulty, palpitations and angina. Severe anemia due to hemorrhage or loss of blood after the delivery. In this condition, the woman may be advised to have a blood transfusion as soon as possible (21). Severe anemia related to any reason may lead to hypoxemia and enhances the occurrence of coronary insufficiency and myocardial ischemia. (23).
In women with severe iron deficiency, disturbances in function of epithelial tissue is usually occurred . Atrophy of the lingual papillae in the tongue may occur and show a glossy appearance. Also , angular stomatitis may develop associated with fissures at the corners of the mouth. The occurrance of dysphagia may appear with hard diets. Atrophic gastritis occurs in cases of iron deficiency with progressive lack of stomach enzymes production such as loss of acid secretion, pepsin, and intrinsic factor and development of an antibody to gastric parietal cells.
Cold intolerance occurs in some cases with chronic iron
deficiency anemia and is characterized by neurologic pain , vasomotor disturbances, or tingling and numbness. In rare conditions, severe iron deficiency anemia is associated with increased intracranial pressure. These symptoms can be treated with iron therapy. Impaired immune function is shown in cases with iron deficiency. Moreover, there are reports revealed that those patients are at high risk to develop infection (23).
Treatment for anemia in pregnancy
Specific treatment for anemia will be identified prescribed by physician based on:
Your pregnancy status
Overall health, and medical history
Extent of the disease
Your tolerance for specific medications, or procedures
Expectations for the course of the disease
Your opinion or preference
Treatment of anemia depends on the type and severity of anemia. In cases of iron deficiency anemia treatment includes iron supplements therapy. Some forms are time-released, while others must be taken several times every day. Having iron supplements with a citrus juice can be help with the absorption into the body. Taking antacids may decrease absorption of iron in the blood. There are side effects may occurs when taking Iron supplements such as nausea and stools become dark greenish or black in color. In addition , Constipation may also occur with iron supplements.
Prevention of anemia in pregnancy
Anemia can be prevented during pregnancy with following a good pre-pregnancy nutrition system not only helps in preventing anemia, but also helps in building other nutritional stores in the mother's body. Having a healthy and balanced diet with essential products of food during pregnancy helps maintain the iron levels and other necessary nutrients needed for the mother health and growing her baby(20).
It is important for the public health officials in the geographical regions in which the iron deficiency is prevalent need to be more aware of the significance of iron deficiency, its effect on work performance and activities, and the importance of giving iron supplements during pregnancy and childhood. Moreover, Addition of iron to basic foodstuffs usually employed to solve this problem (24).
Women health in Palestine
Palestinian women have a fundamental right to enjoy the highest possible levels of health and quality of life. MOH works towards the improvement of their health during all phases of lives with wide participation with other key health providers as UNRWA and NGOs.
% of women of child bearing age of total pop
Prevalence of anemia among pregnant women in MOH
Total fertility rate (5.8 in GS and 4.1 in WB)
T.T. immunization coverage among newly pregnant women in MOH (99.1 in UNRWA) (%)
Maternal mortality ratio per 100,000 live birth
% of children received breastfeeding
% of pregnant women attended antenatal care out of total live births
Mean duration of breastfeeding (months)
The number of visits paid per pregnant woman in MOH (7.6 in UNRWA)
Contraceptive prevalence rate (43 in GS, 55.1 in WB)
% of deliveries in health institution
% of IUDs used of total contraceptive methods
% of deliveries in home (0.4 in GS, 5.5 in WB)
% of pills used of total contraceptive methods
Prevalence of anemia among nursing mother in UNRWA
Antenatal care services
Antenatal care is an essential part of modern health care; such care is every woman's right. Health providers must pay serious attention to the health of the pregnant woman and her fetus.
In Palestine there are four health sectors providing maternal care; the MOH, UNRWA, the NGOs and the private doctors. There are 353 MCH clinics in MOH and 53 clinics in UNRWA providing antenatal care.
The number of visits paid per pregnant woman was 5.5 in Palestine (6.5 in GS and 4.8 in WB). In UNRWA, it was reported at 7.6 visits per pregnant women in Gaza Strip, the percent of women who paid 7-9 visits was 47.5%.
According to DHS in 2005, Data showed that 96.5% of women aged 15-49 years received antenatal care in Palestine. There is direct relationship between education level and receipt of antenatal care; women who did not receive antenatal care were more likely to be less educated more than women who received antenatal care.
In addition, access to antenatal care decreased with parity, with fewer women accessing antenatal care for their 4th pregnancy or more.
High risk pregnancy services
Certain conditions or characteristics, called risk factors, make a pregnancy high risk and woman or baby is more likely to become ill or die than usual. Doctors identify these factors and use a scoring system to determine the degree of risk for a particular woman. Identifying high-risk pregnancies ensures that women who most need special medical care.
The high-risk program has been implemented in 26 referral governmental clinics in the Gaza Strip and 18 MCH clinics in UNRWA.
The percentage of newly pregnant women visits with high-risk pregnancy was 14% of total newly pregnant women in MOH (17.8% in the GS and 11.6% in the WB). The number of visits paid per high-risk pregnant women was 5.2 visits.
In UNRWA, the percentage of newly pregnant women visit at high risk and alert pregnancy was 44% from total antenatal visits of newly pregnant women. Out of the total, 40% paid 3-4 visits and 47.7% paid 7-9 visits.
During home visit program in Gaza Strip, the factors associated with high risk pregnancy were as shown in the following table; taking in consideration that one woman may have more than one complication:
Table 3.1 factors associated with high risk pregnancy
Tetanus toxoid immunization
The vaccination for pregnant women is taken based on MOH protocol during the first antenatal visit. Immunization coverage among newly pregnant women was 42.4% (25.2% in WB and 64.1% in Gs). In UNRWA, out of total (11,100) pregnant women of 20 weeks and over of gestation, the vaccinated pregnant women were 11,005 with a coverage rate of 99.1% (25) .
Anemia among women in Palestine
WHO define anemia as Hb is less than 11 gm/dl. The percentage of anemic mothers whom visited the governmental MCH for antenatal care was 38.5% (27.2%in the GS and 50% in the WB) .During study conducted in UNRWA in the year 2005, the prevalence rate of anemia among pregnant women was 35.7% and 45.7% among nursing mothers visited UNRWA-PHC centers for antenatal services in the Gaza Strip. During home visits program which are conducted by Women's Health and development Directorate in MOH, Hemoglobin (HB) has been examined for 1,950 visited mothers after delivery in Shifa as 38.5% (27.2%in the GS and 50% in the WB). During home visits program which are conducted by Women's Health and development Directorate in MOH, Hemoglobin (HB) has been examined for 1,950 visited mothers after delivery in Shifa hospital especially those at high-risk pregnancy or who has complication/s during delivery. The results indicated that 61.6% of women were anemic. Out of the total women, HB was diagnosed <8 gm/dl among 0.8% of women, 8-10 gm/dl among 16.7% of women, >10 gm/dl - <11 gm/dl among 44.1% of women, and >11 gm/dl among 38.4% of visited women. Ferrous sulfate and folic acid as a tonic is distributed for pregnant women and children under 3 years in MOH and UNRWA centers free of charge (25) .
Table 3.2 Prevalence rate of anemia among women visited UNRWA-PHC
centers in Gaza Strip, 2005
A cross-sectional study design was conducted during August,2009 in order to assess awareness among pregnant women attending UNRWA health care centers for antenatal care , based on health clinics of UNRWA in Gaza strip.
All pregnant women who was registered at UNRWA clinics ,both old and new ,who attended for antenatal care during August,2009 in Gaza strip .
A total of 164 women from UNRWA clinics in the middle region of Gaza strip were selected randomly to participate in the survey taking into account the distribution of population in each area to represent the study population fairly. The sample size was calculated by assuming a 95% confidence interval and sampling error no more than (5%) using Yamane formula (1967:886) as follows:
Where n is the sample size
N is the population
e is the sampling error rate (5%)
Instrument of the study
The instrument used in this study was questionnaire which created to cover the objectives of the study .the questionnaire included four divisions .
1st division: The question is about socio-demographical data of the women including age, educational level, occupation, number of children, economical status and attending health education session .the questions in this division were closed-ended and open-ended.
2nd division: The questions is about knowledge and awareness of women regarding anemia concept ,nutrition ,iron supplements ,and the tea with meals. The questions included 3 choices (completely agree, partially agree and disagree).
3rd division: The questions about opinions and attitudes of women regarding anemia .It included 3 choices (completely agree, partially agree and disagree).
4th division: The questions about health education session regarding anemia. It included 3 choices (completely agree, partially agree and disagree).
Data was collected using the structured questionnaire as a tool to collect data from the samples of study by individual interview performed by the researcher and with assistant of staff in UNRWA clinics who has the experience in data collection and methodology.
After data collection ,the questionnaires were collected and the data was entered to computer software for processing and analysis. the programme used for analysis is (SPSS) statistical package for social sciences software version 15.
Clearance and permission was obtained from Chief Field Health Section of UNRWA in Gaza strip in order to conduct questionnaires survey among refugees pregnant women who attended UNRWA clinics for antenatal care and follow-up in Gaza strip.
In addition, the permission was taken from the head of UNRWA clinics and also oral permission was obtained from the women who participated in the survey.
The current study aimed to assess the awareness of anemia among pregnant women who attended UNRWA clinics for antenatal care.
Table 6.1 Age distribution of pregnant women
Age groups (years)
Less than 20
More than 30
Table 1.6 shows that most (34.8%) of participants women were in the age group of 20 to 25 years ,followed with women of age group of more than 30 years (31.7%) ,then women in the age group of 26 to 30 years (25%) and fewer women in the age group of less than 20 years (8.5%).
Table 6.2 Distribution of women by educational level
University & above
Table 2.6 shows that the majority (42.1%) of women were with the secondary school ,(26.8%) with university degree and above ,(20.7%) with primary school and only (10.4%) with diploma.
Table 6.3 Distribution of women by occupation
Table 3.6 shows that the majority (82.3%) of women were housewife and only (17.7%) were labourer.
Table 6.4 Distribution of women by Income (per month)
Socio-economical status ( Income per month)
Less than 250 $ (Low)
250 - 450$
more than 450 $
Table 4.6 shows that the majority (40.9%) of participants women were from low socio-economical status , (31.7%) from middle socio-economical status and only (27.4%) from high socio-economical status.
Table 6.5 Distribution of women by attending health education session
Attending health education session
Table 5.6 shows that the majority (68.3%) of participants were attending health education session regarding anemia and only (31.7%) were not attending health education session regarding anemia in UNRWA antenatal care clinics in Gaza strip.
Q1. ASSESSMENT OF AWARENESS OF ANEMIA AMONG PREGNANT WOMEN ATTENDING UNRWA CLINICS FOR ANTENATAL CARE ?
Knowledge and awareness of anemia among pregnant women
Table 6.6 shows that the majority of pregnant women knew about anemia since ,(93.3 %) were aware that diet rich in iron is necessary for pregnant women,(89.6 %) were aware that anemia is caused due to malnutrition with inadequate iron ,(87.2%) were aware that severe malnutrition is a major risk factor of anemia during pregnancy ,(86%) were aware that iron pills supplementary is necessary during pregnancy, (73.2%) were aware that Tiredness , dizziness& weakness are significant signs & symptoms of anemia during pregnancy and (69.5%) were aware that meat , fish ,milk and milk products are rich in iron. In contrast ,(61.6%) were aware that tea with meals decrease iron absorption in the blood and only (24.4%) were not aware and had insufficient knowledge that tea with meals decrease iron absorption in the blood.
Table 6.6 Percentage of samples as classified by the knowledge regarding anemia
Completely agree %
Partially agree %
Anemia is meant as iron deficiency in the blood
Anemia is diagnosed by testing of hemoglobin level in the blood
Anemia is caused due to malnutrition with inadequate iron
Tiredness , Dizziness& weakness are significant signs & symptoms of anemia during pregnancy
Severe malnutrition is a major risk factor of anemia during pregnancy
Iron pills supplementary is necessary during pregnancy
Iron pills has side effects may occur during pregnancy
Anemia has adverse effect on pregnant & fetus health
Diet rich in iron is necessary for pregnant women
Meat , fish ,Milk and Milk products are rich in iron
Tea with meals increase iron absorption in the blood
Women opinions and attitudes regarding anemia
Table 7.6 shows that most of women (91.5%) were aware that adherence of having iron pills supplement is necessary during pregnancy, (90.9%)were aware that adherence to have sufficient diet with iron is necessary during pregnancy, (87.2%) were aware that anemia threats pregnant and fetus health, (84.8%) were aware that regular antenatal visits are necessary for pregnant women, (70.1%) were aware that adherence to have iron tablets should be after Dr. prescription and only (51.2%) were aware that having iron pills continuously and regularly without Dr. prescription may cause undesirable side effects.
Table6.7Percentage of samples as classified by the opinions & attitudes regarding anemia
Completely agree %
Partially agree %
Adherence to have iron tablets should be after Dr. prescription
Having iron pills continuously & regularly without Dr. prescription may cause undesirable side effects
Anemia threats pregnant & fetus health
Adherence of having iron pills supplement is necessary during pregnancy
Adherence to have sufficient diet with iron is necessary during pregnancy
Regular antenatal visits are necessary for pregnant women
Awareness regarding health education session about anemia
Table 8.6 shows that most of women(88.4%) said that health education sessions about anemia is important for antenatal women followed with women(84.1%) who said that antenatal women need health education session continuously ,then (82.6%) of women were aware that regular health education session can reduce the prevalence of anemia among antenatal women,(81.1%) of women said that adherence to attend health education sessions are necessary during pregnancy The present study revealed that only (31.1%) of women said that UNRWA has enough health education sessions regarding anemia especially during pregnancy .
Table 6.8 Percentage of samples as classified by the health education session regarding anemia
Completely agree %
Partially agree %
Health education sessions about anemia are important for antenatal women
Regular health education session about anemia can reduce the prevalence of anemia among pregnant women
Pregnant women is in a need to health education continuously
Adherence to attend health education sessions are necessary during pregnancy
UNRWA has enough health education sessions regarding anemia especially during pregnancy.
Q2. ASSESSING IF THERE IS A DIFFERENCE BETWEEN WOMEN WITH AND WITHOUT HEALTH EDUCATION SESSION ?
Table 6.9 Women with and without health education session
(P-value < 0.05%)
Without health education session
With health education session
Note: St. D = standard deviation
Table 9.6 shows the difference between women with and without health education session ,It revealed that there were statistical significant differences (P < 0.05) between pregnant women with and without health education session regarding anemia .
Anemia is a major public health problem and most common factors complicating pregnancy in Gaza strip. Previous studies have shown a high prevalence of anemia among Palestine refugee pregnant women , an overall prevalence of anemia is more than 35 % among refugee pregnant women in Gaza strip.
Awareness plays an important role in motivating a majority of women to have a positive attitudes during pregnancy and to adopt their planning behavior.
Although there is a great interesting of increasing and improving awareness level and knowledge for Palestine refugee pregnant women by UNRWA through ongoing health instructions, health campaign and monthly awareness programmes , the prevalence of anemia still high among pregnant women. And some of women still had a little of knowledge regarding anemia.
This study was conducted in order to assess awareness and knowledge of anemia among pregnant women who attended UNRWA health care facilities for antenatal care in the middle district of Gaza strip and also to assess if there is a significant differences between women with and without health education session.
Data was collected from four UNRWA health care facilities using a special designed questionnaire sheet .The questionnaire sheet was consisted of four divisions , 1st division including socio-demographical personal data (Age, educational level, occupation, economical status, parity and attending health education session) ,2nd division including questions about awareness and knowledge of anemia among pregnant women,3rd division including questions about opinions and attitudes of pregnant women regarding anemia and the 4th division including questions about health education session regarding anemia . The researcher gathering data using structured questionnaire and interview among refugee pregnant women who attended UNRWA clinics for antenatal care during August,2009 in Gaza strip. After collecting the data ,the data were entered to SPSS software programme for processing and analyzing .The findings are shown that the participants pregnant women age ranged between less than 20 and more than 30 years ,the majority 34.8% of them from age group between 20 -25 years ,Most of women 42.1%had completed a secondary school level ,majority 83.3% of participants women were housewife, Most of women40.9% were from low socio- economical status (low income) and the majority 68.3% of pregnant women had attended health education session about anemia .
Discussion regarding the objectives of the study
1st Objective " To assess the level of awareness and public knowledge of anemia among the Palestinian refugee pregnant women in Gaza strip "
The study revealed that the Palestinian refugee pregnant women had a knowledge and awareness of anemia in Gaza strip at a medium level.
Therefore , the results of the study agreed with the hypothesis that the women awareness and have a knowledge of anemia in Gaza strip at a medium level.
In this study, we tried to search for the specific factors that may increase the prevalence of anemia among pregnant women through assessing the level of awareness and knowledge with respect to several variables (Questions) about anemia concept, causes, diagnosis ,side effects, signs & symptoms ,risk factors and their effect on pregnant women and fetus , taking iron pills supplements, diet rich in iron and the effect of tea with meals on iron absorption.
Table 6.6 shows the several questions used to test awareness and public knowledge of the study population regarding anemia. Since, It is clear from the table that the majority of pregnant women were aware and had a high knowledge of anemia, This may be attributable to the fact of the effect of health campaign, media and ongoing awareness programmes which arranged by the UNRWA clinics.
Only 39% of pregnant women have completely agreed that iron pills has side effects may occur during pregnancy. This may be due to lack of knowledge reflected by variation in level of education or due to limited time for attending health education session about anemia.
Lack of knowledge is also clear from the effect of tea with meals on the absorption of iron in the blood since 24.4 % of pregnant women attending UNRWA clinics for antenatal care believed that drinking tea with meals increase iron absorption in the blood .Lack of knowledge with respect to iron among those women may be attributed to their educational level or they are not interested to attend health education session regarding anemia as other pregnant women who are highly educated and interested to attend health education session about anemia.
Findings in table 6.7 shows that the majority of pregnant women had a positive opinions and attitudes about anemia. this may be related to the fact that most of women attended health education session regarding anemia . Only about half 51.2% of women have known that " having iron pills continuously & regularly without Dr. prescription may cause undesirable side effects " ,this may be due to their believing that how much they take the iron pills will be good for their health regardless of Dr. prescription .
As observed in table 6.8 ,Most of pregnant women have agreed that health education session regarding anemia is important and necessary for antenatal women during pregnancy and majority of them agreed that health education session can reduce the prevalence session .With respect to health education session provided by UNRWA for antenatal women about anemia ,only 10.4% of pregnant women disagree that "UNRWA has enough health education sessions regarding anemia especially during pregnancy " , 31.1 completely agree and the majority 58.5 % have partially agree .
2nd objective " To assess if there is a difference between women with and without health education session "
As observed in table 6.9 ,The findings revealed that there is statistical significant differences (P < 0.05) between women with and without health education session regarding anemia ,and this is also due to the mean value (45.325 , 32.266 , 18.527 respectively ) among women with health education session higher than mean value (25.538 , 18.288 , 13.288 respectively ) in women without health education session.
Therefore , the results of the study agreed with the hypothesis that said There is a difference between women with and without health education session regarding anemia .
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