Detail Cantuman

ABSTRACT
Introduction: Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is a global health problem. The
prevalence of anemia in pregnancy worldwide is nearly half of pregnant
women. It impacts on women and offspring outcomes during pregnancy,
intrapartum and postpartum period associated with increasing rate of
preterm labor, pregnancy induced hypertension, low birth weight, perinatal
death including postpartum hemorrhage, postpartum infection, unsuccessful
rate of exclusive breast feeding, and postpartum depression. Inadequate iron
intake, maternal physiological changes during pregnancy, and bleeding were
indicated as common causes of IDA in pregnancy. The objective was to explore
the experiences of pregnant women regarding IDA.
Methods: A total of eighteen women between 16-36 weeks’ gestation
participated in the qualitative research. Women were selected by purposive
sampling according to inclusion criteria to in-depth interviewed at antenatal
care clinic, Watbot hospital, Phitsanulok, Thailand.
Results: Thematic analysis of the qualitative interviews identified four main
themes: iron-deficiency anemia in pregnant as a normal pregnancy; concern
on food rather than hematocrit (HCT) level; maternal instinct in healthy baby;
and low socioeconomic as a main obstacle.
Conclusion: The findings illustrated to enhance better understanding the
nature, attitude, knowledge, perception, and behavior of pregnant women on
IDA, facilitators to support women for healthy behavior, and barriers to IDA
in pregnancy based on Thai context