Kinjal G. Jani, Bhupindr Chaudhry, K. K. Patel, Kesha Bhadiyadra
BACKGROUND:
Anemia is one among serious public health problems, particularly, in a
developing nation like India. To find out situation analysis of any public
health condition or to assess effectiveness of implemented public health
program, study of gap analysis has significant role. Nutritional knowledge
related gap is one among major causes for nutritional problems. Moreover, intergenerational
impact results due to uptake of improper practices.
OBJECTIVES:
To assess the burden of anemia and to study knowledge, attitude and practice
among young women for the use of Iron Folic Acid (IFA) tablets relate to
anemia.
MATERIAL
AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study was
conducted in a North Gujarat region. A total of 1000 young women were included
in this study. A predesigned, pretested, questionnaire was used to assess
objective of the study.
RESULTS:
According to NFHS-V, 2019-20, prevalence of anemia among non-pregnant women is
65.1 % in Gujarat. The present study found that 40-60% of respondents could
identify the major symptoms, causes and consequences of anemia. Least knowledge
was found about inhibitors and enhancers. 54% of respondents like to consume
iron-rich food. Only 32.6% of respondents had a positive attitude towards IFA
tablets. 39% knew the importance of complementary food along breastfeeding. 32%
of respondents used to consume citric food. 28.7% of school going girls used to
consume IFA tablets weekly and only 26% of girls used to go for deworming
annually. In non-going school girls, only 16% of young women used to consume
IFA tablets. Only 10.4% of respondents used to/preferred to consume iron
enhancers with IFA tablet.
CONCLUSION:
Young women depicted intermediate knowledge towards anemia but not adequate
attitude and practice. Initial uptake and adherence to IFA tablets is extremely
low among young women. Along with KAP, social and environmental factors need to
address to disseminate misperceptions around IFA use and low-risk perception.
Anemia,
Iron-Folic Acid tablet, young women.
VOL.14, ISSUE No.1, March 2022