ASSESSMENT OF KNOWLEDGE AND AWARENESS OF IRON DEFICIENCY ANEMIA AMONG PREGNANT WOMEN ATTENDING ANTE NATAL CLINIC AT FADA AND BAYAN FADA PRIMARY HEALTH CARE CENTRES IN BAUCHI METROPOLIS

Anaemia is a condition in which blood does not contain enough haemoglobin that makes the blood to be red and also be able to carry oxygen that body cells need. In most developing countries of the world about 50 percent of all women, adolescent girls and children are anaemic. Anaemia in pregnancy is identified by the WHO, as haemoglobin concentration less than 11g/dl. The commonest cause of anemia is iron deficiency. Iron is very important in the formation of haemoglobin. Iron deficiency anaemia is called nutritional anaemia. Nigeria is among countries with highest prevalence, about 52% are anaemic. The aim of this study is to determine the knowledge and awareness of iron deficiency anemia in pregnant women attending ANC at Fada and Bayan Fada Primary Health Care Centres in Bauchi metropolis. A quantitative cross-sectional study was employed to collect and analyzed all the result. Total number of 317 women, were recruited using homogenous purposive sampling technique, their knowledge, dietary intake and socio-demographic information was obtained using a questionnaire. Out of 317 women, only 80 representing 25.2% of the total have adequate knowledge of Iron Deficiency Anaemia with average mean score of MS 3.70±2.532. The study confirmed a poor knowledge among women attending ante natal care at Fada and Bayan Fada Primary Health Care Centres. With lack of understanding of causes, effects, symptoms and preventive measures of Iron Deficiency Anaemia. It is recommended that primary prevention of increasing advocacy and awareness be prioritized by responsible Government ministries (health and education) and other relevant stakeholders (WHO, UNICEF and NCDC) in the country to increase knowledge of women attending Ante Natal Care towards Iron Deficiency Anaemia.