Abstract
Objectives
This study assessed the association of iron rich foods consumption, supplement intake and prevalence of anaemia among pregnant women in Owerri Imo state, Nigeria.
Methods
A cross-sectional study design was used, 429 pregnant women attending antenatal care were randomly selected from each of the five hospitals randomly selected from Owerri. Biochemical test (Haemoglobin determination) and a structured and pre-tested questionnaires was used for data collection. Data were statistically analyzed using Pearson correlation and Chi-square test with SPSS Version 22 at significance level of P < 0.05.
Results
Result shows that two third (72.3%) of the respondents were aged 26–35yrs, 72.3% were in the third trimester, 77.4% had multigravida, 43.4% had a birth spacing of 12–18months, 28.1% and 26.8% had loss a child at birth and caesarean delivery respectively, 51.0% commenced antenatal care visit at 13–24 weeks of their pregnancy, 75% had malaria and 39% were anaemic (17% mild, 17% moderate and 5% severe anaemia). More than half of the pregnancy women took folic acid (61.1%), B-complex vitamin (53.6%) and one third (35.9%) took Ferrous Sulphate at least once daily, 78% sourced their supplements from hospital. Most of the pregnant women consumed animal protein, green leafy vegetable and fruits at least 4 times weekly; there are significant (P < 0.05) associations between consumption of iron rich foods, supplement intake and prevalence of anaemia among pregnant women.
Conclusions
In conclusion, this study revealed a high prevalence of anaemia among pregnant women, moderate consumption of iron rich foods, poor intake of iron supplement and a significant association between prevalence of anaemia in pregnant women, consumption of iron rich food and intake iron supplement among pregnant women in the study area.
Funding Sources
Self Funded (Author).
Educational Standard of Pregnant Women and Their Response to Safe Motherhood Initiative in Orlu Urban, Imo State
