Abstract:

Background: Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is the most widespread nutritional problem in the world and leading cause of anemia during pregnancy. Approximately 50% of anemia in pregnancy is attributable to iron deficiency. Iron deficiency anemia during pregnancy has a major impact on health of both mother and fetus; it also affects cognitive and motor development. The knowledge on Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) has significant relationship with practice on prevention of anemia.

Objective: This study aimed at determining the level of knowledge and practices done towards prevention of iron deficiency anemia among pregnant women at Nyamagana district hospital, Mwanza, Tanzania.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out on 377 pregnant women in April 2023. Data was collected using structured self-administered questionnaires and information obtained was analyzed by Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS).

Results: Majority of women belonged to the age group of 19-23 years (30.2%), more than half 67.6% were married, 46.2% had secondary level of education and approximately to half 48.5% were housewives and unemployed. Majority of study participants had moderate level of knowledge (58.96%) and unfavorable practices (53.39%) regarding iron deficiency anemia and its prevention.

Conclusion: The study participants had inadequate knowledge and unfavorable practices regarding IDA during pregnancy. Appropriate nutritional counseling during antenatal follow up should be encouraged and should include all women of reproductive age. Therefore adequate knowledge may lead to better practices on prevention of iron deficiency anemia.