Awareness and practices in preventing maternal iron deficiency among pregnant women living in urban slum areas in Makassar City, Indonesia

Abstract

BACKGROUND: During pregnancy, the body requires more complex nutritional intake. Therefore, problems with fulfilling nutrition during pregnancy occur often. One of the most common nutritional problems in pregnancy is iron deficiency anemia, the most widespread micronutrient problem and the most difficult to overcome worldwide. This study aimed to determine awareness and prevention behavior associated with the incidence of iron deficiency in pregnant women living in urban slum areas. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a cross‑sectional study. The data collection used KoboToolbox, an Android‑based tool. Iron status was examined by serum ferritin level assay using ELISA at the Microbiology Laboratory Unit of Hasanuddin University Hospital. RESULTS: The prevalence of pregnant women who experienced iron deficiency was 78%. The logistic regression analysis showed that poor awareness (AOR = 3.03, CI 95% 1.26‑7.29, P = 0.013) and practices in taking iron enhancers (AOR = 2.85, CI 95% 1.18–6.92, P = 0.020) became the main factors associated with iron deficiency among pregnant women. CONCLUSIONS: Poor awareness and practices regarding consuming iron enhancers increased the risk of iron deficiency among pregnant women living in urban slum areas. Iron deficiency is a major health concern for pregnant women, especially those living in slum settlements, which must be addressed. A more optimal healthcare system for pregnant women may reduce the incidence of iron anemia in pregnancy by improving health promotion and optimizing healthcare services.