Development Of Learning Resource For Prevention Of Iron Deficiency Anaemia For Women Employees From Selected Institutions Of Navi Mumbai

Abstract

Background: Globally people seem to be affected significantly by one of the common type of anemia viz., Iron deficiency anaemia. There is a burden of anemia among Indian women especially in the reproductive age group as evident by the prevalence rates according to National Family Health Survey (NFHS).

Objectives: To identify prevalence of iron deficiency anemia among women employees, assess knowledge of iron deficiency anemia and to develop and validate information booklet on Iron deficiency anemia.

Methods: A descriptive research design was adopted for 175 participants from selected colleges of Navi Mumbai. The data for assessing knowledge was collected through a self-administered researcher-prepared structured questionnaire and haemoglobin estimation was carried out with a digital haemoglobinometer. The data was analyzed using SPSS version 21.

Result: The prevalence of iron deficiency among the women employees was 93.7%; of whom 52% had mild anemia and 41.7% had moderate anemia. Only 6.3% are having normal hemoglobin level. Of the total women 59.4% demonstrated very good knowledge, 18.3% had excellent knowledge and 3.4% had poor knowledge. It was associated with the demographic variables of education and marital status.

Conclusion: Findingsrevealedthatwomenhadknowledgeofirondeficiencyanemiainspite of that 97.3% found prevalent shows negligence towards theirhealth.