Anaemia in pregnancy: Perceptions of patients in Dar-es-Salaam

This study was performed to assess the pregnant women's knowledge and attitudes towards anaemia, its causes, prophylaxis, and treatment and to describe existing problems with interventions for anaemia in antenatal clinics. A total of 310 women were interviewed from three MCA-clinics in suburban Dar es-Salaam Anaemia was considered a major problem by 88% and 75%, respectively in the two peripheral MCH clinics, but by only 44% of attenders in the hospital MCH clinic. Over 85% of interviewees were aware of the causes of and ways of preventing anaemia. The most frequently mentioned cause of anaemia were related to nutrition while Intestinal parasites was mentioned by a few women. Only 5% believed that anaemia might not be dangerous for the mother. In all three clinics more than 90% were aware of the advantages of early booking for antenatal care. None of the mothers had received any ferrous supplements during the current pregnancy, and only a minority (38%) in the previous pregnancy though 40% of them said they were informed they had anaemia in the previous pregnancy. Side effects were not reported as a reason for non-compliance. Thus, mothers were aware that anaemia is a health problem in pregnancy. They would accept effective intervention if they were offered them. The irregular and inadequate supply of haematinics to antenatal clinics is a far more important obstacle to the implementation of the anaemia prevention programme than the knowledge and attitudes of the mothers.