Value of Cell Counter-Based Parameters and Formulas in Detection of βThalassemia Minor, the experience of a single Haematological Centre in Iraq

ABSTRACT

Background: Anemia which is associated with poor maternal and perinatal outcome, is the most common medical disorderand a risk factor in pregnancy causing 20-40% of maternal deaths directly or indirectly through cardiac failure,preeclampsia, antepartum haemorrhage, postpartum haemorrhage and puerperal sepsis. Aim: The study is aimed atevaluating knowledge, attitude and practices regarding prevention of iron deficiency anemia among pregnant womenattending primary health centers in Tabuk region. Methods: Descriptive design was utilized to fulfill the aim of this study.The study was conducted at eight health centers at Tabuk region. A purposive sample (N= 300) of pregnant women whoattended the eight health centers at Tabuk region for receiving antenatal care was included in the study. Three tools of datacollection were used; 1) self-administrated questionnaire It includes socio-demographic data, obstetric and health historyand knowledge assessment 2) modified likert scale to assess the attitudes of pregnant women with regard to anemiaprevention. 3) Practice items to assess practice of pregnant women to prevent iron deficiency anemia. Results: The findingsrevealed that 25.0% of the pregnant women had history of anemia before pregnancy, 66.7% % of them had poor knowledge,and 70.0 % of them had neutral attitude toward iron deficiency anemia. And 40.0 % of them obtained poor practices scoreregarding prevention of iron deficiency anemia. Conclusion: The majority of pregnant women in Tabuk Region have poorknowledge, neutral attitude and poor practices regarding prevention iron deficiency anemia.