The Relationship Between Married Couples’ Knowledge of Anemia Prevention and the Incidence of Anemia Among Pregnant Women

Maesaroh Maesaroh; Qurrat Ul Ain; Yania Febsi; Nisri Ina Zahrah; Nana Fitriana

doi:10.52022/jikm.v18i2.1012

Maesaroh Maesaroh Faculty of Health Science, Universitas Bina Bangsa, Banten, Postal Code 42124, Indonesia
Qurrat Ul Ain Faculty of Pharmacy, The University of Faisalabad, Sargodha Road, Faisalabad, Postal Code 38000, Pakistan https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2398-3698
Yania Febsi Faculty of Health Science, Universitas Bina Bangsa, Banten, Postal Code 42124, Indonesia https://orcid.org/0009-0005-3517-0928
Nisri Ina Zahrah Faculty of Health Science, Universitas Bina Bangsa, Banten, Postal Code 42124, Indonesia
Nana Fitriana Faculty of Health Science, Poltekes Bhakti Pertiwi Husada, Cirebon, West Java, Postal Code 45122, Indonesia

DOI: https://doi.org/10.52022/jikm.v18i2.1012

Keywords: Anemia prevention, Couples’ knowledge, Hemoglobin, Pregnant women

Abstract

Background: Anemia during pregnancy remains a major public health issue in Indonesia, especially in rural areas such as Tasikmalaya Regency. Limited knowledge and inadequate partner involvement are key factors contributing to poor anemia prevention practices. This study aimed to assess the relationship between couples’ knowledge of anemia prevention and maternal hemoglobin status.

Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 150 pregnant women and their partners in Tasikmalaya Regency, West Java. Data on sociodemographic characteristics, knowledge, and preventive practices were collected using a structured questionnaire, and hemoglobin (Hb) levels were classified according to WHO (2023) standards. Associations were analyzed using the chi-square test and a multivariate logistic regression.

Results: Most respondents were aged 21–35 years (78.7%), and 43.3% had completed secondary education. Although 82% attended ≥4 antenatal care visits and 84.7% reported taking iron (Fe) tablets, the prevalence of anemia remained high at 58.7%, with 26.7% classified as having moderate-to-severe anemia.. A significant association was found between couples’ knowledge and maternal hemoglobin status (χ² = 18.43; df = 6; p = 0.005), with a moderate effect size (Cramér’s V = 0.25). Higher knowledge levels were associated with a greater proportion of non-anemic women, whereas lower knowledge levels were more frequently observed among women with moderate to severe anemia.

Conclusion: In Tasikmalaya Regency, higher couples’ knowledge of anemia prevention was significantly associated with better maternal hemoglobin status. These findings support the importance of strengthening couple-based educational approaches and improving the quality of anemia prevention strategies within maternal health programs.

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