ERIC Number: EJ990105
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2012
Pages: 14
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1932-5037
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Socio-Ecological Factors Affecting Pregnant Women's Anemia Status in Freetown, Sierra Leone
M'Cormack, Fredanna; Drolet, Judy
American Journal of Health Education, v43 n6 p327-340 Nov-Dec 2012
Background: Sierra Leone has high maternal mortality. Socio-ecological factors are considered contributing factors to this high mortality. Anemia is considered to be a direct cause of 4% of maternal deaths and an indirect cause of 20-40% of maternal deaths. Purpose: The current study explores socio-ecological contributing factors to the anemia status of 171 pregnant Sierra Leone women. Methods: A structured questionnaire framed around the Modified Ecological Model for Health Behavior and Health Promotion was distributed to women visiting five health care facilities in Freetown, Sierra Leone. Results: Participants were more likely to have anemia in the second and third trimester than the first trimester ([chi][superscript 2] = 6.12; [chi][superscript 2] = 6.33). Participants indicating economic difficulties were likely to have anemia. Seventy-seven percent of participants had anemia (hemoglobin less than 11.0g/dL). Discussion: Findings indicate that poverty, time of intervention, and socio-cultural factors have an impact on anemia. In addition, use of radio communication is beneficial to deliver health messages to the masses. Translation to Health Education Practice: Developing and implementing comprehensive programs that consider socio-cultural factors are necessary to raise awareness and address misconceptions about anemia causes, prevention, and treatment. These programs must be multi-sectored and include participants, health care workers, government, non-governmental agencies and community. (Contains 5 figures and 3 tables.)
Descriptors: Pregnancy, Females, Health Promotion, Health Behavior, Health Education, Diseases, Foreign Countries, Cultural Influences, Child Health, Questionnaires, Mothers, Mortality Rate, Economic Factors, Poverty, Social Influences, Radio, Intervention, Program Development, Program Implementation, Health Personnel, Public Agencies, Nongovernmental Organizations
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Sierra Leone
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A