The effect of education program on the knowledge and self-care behavior of pregnant women to reduce iron deficiency anemia.

Abstract

     The research was quasi Experimental Research study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of an educational program on knowledge and self-care behaviors in pregnant women to reduce iron deficiency anemia at the Health Promotion Hospital, Regional Health Center 5, Ratchaburi. The study employed a single-group pre- and post-test design with a sample size of 30 participants. Data were collected using questionnaires and analyzed using percentage, mean, standard deviation, and Independent Paired t-test, with a significance level set at 0.05.
     The findings revealed that the majority of pregnant women are between 21-30 years old, accounting for 53.30%. Of these women, 43.30% have a bachelor's degree, and 80% reside in Ratchaburi Province. Additionally, 80% are engaged in trading or own businesses, 36.70% have no chronic diseases, and 90% have no history of drug allergies. Furthermore, 80% are currently experiencing their first pregnancy, and 40% have initiated prenatal care before 12 weeks of gestation. Notably, 66.70% have a history of never having given birth to a baby weighing less than 2,500 grams. During pregnancy, 80% of participants consume three main meals per day, and 73.33% consume 2-3 glasses of milk and less than 1 teaspoon of salt daily. Post-program, the knowledge of self-care among pregnant women was found to be at a high level (= 15.17), overall self-care behaviors were also high (= 4.41), and the hematocrit levels were within normal range (= 34.67), showing a significant statistical increase from before the program (p-value < .05). Overall satisfaction with the program was at the highest level (= 4.72).