ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE | March 5, 2025
Knowledge and Attitude of Primigravida Mothers of Rural Area Regarding Nutritional Needs and Prevention of Iron Deficiency Anaemia during Pregnancy
Dr. Shridevi Hiremath
Page no 71-73 |
DOI: https://doi.org/10.36348/sjnhc.2025.v08i03.001
Background: Pregnancy is an exciting yet physiologically demanding period as a woman nurtures a growing fetus. The physiological, biochemical, and hormonal changes impact nutritional needs and the body's efficiency in utilizing nutrients. Nutrition is the cornerstone of human health. Objectives: To assess the knowledge and attitude of primigravida mothers regarding nutritional needs and prevention of iron deficiency anemia during pregnancy and to determine the association between pretest knowledge and attitude levels with selected socio-demographic variables. Methodology: A quantitative approach with an exploratory descriptive survey design was used. A total of 50 primigravida mothers from selected primary health centers in Vijayapura district were selected using a convenient sampling technique. Data was collected using a structured knowledge questionnaire and an attitude scale. Results: The study revealed that the mean knowledge score was 10, median 9, mode 7, with a standard deviation of 3.62, and a score range of 4-19. The majority (56%) of participants had a moderate level of knowledge, 30% had poor knowledge, and 14% had good knowledge. The mean attitude score was 31.44, median 31.50, mode 34, with a standard deviation of 5.74, and a score range of 20-44. The majority (74%) had a favorable attitude, 18% had a positive attitude, and 8% had a non-favorable attitude. A statistically significant association was found between levels of knowledge and sources of information at a 0.05 significance level. Conclusion: Education for antenatal mothers is essential to prevent nutritional deficiency disorders during pregnancy and ensure a positive pregnancy outcome.
Background: Breast cancer is a significant global health concern, with its incidence steadily rising in both developed and developing nations. It is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women, accounting for 16% of cancer fatalities in adult females. This study aimed to assess the level of breast cancer knowledge among nurses working at a tertiary-level hospital in Barishal. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 266 nurses at Sher-E-Bangla Medical College Hospital, Barishal. A convenient sampling technique was applied, and data were collected using a self-structured questionnaire developed through an extensive literature review. Data analysis was performed using SPSS-23, employing both descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: Nearly 97% of nurses recognized breast cancer as a life-threatening disease, while more than half (61%) disagreed with the notion that breast cancer is preventable. The overall mean knowledge score on breast cancer was 3.75 (SD = 0.40), indicating an average to moderate level of knowledge. Marital status (t = -2.84, p<0.05) was found to have a statistically significant association with breast cancer knowledge, with married nurses demonstrating higher awareness than their single counterparts. Additionally, significant differences in knowledge levels were observed between Muslim and non-Muslim nurses, with non-Muslim nurses exhibiting greater awareness of breast cancer. Conclusion: The findings of this study provide valuable insights into the level of breast cancer knowledge among nurses at a tertiary-level hospital in Barishal. The results can serve as a guide for improving nurses' understanding of breast cancer and developing strategies to reduce associated risks. Furthermore, these findings emphasize the need for health education programs aimed at raising awareness and disseminating crucial information on breast cancer prevention and early detection.
Background: Adolescence is a critical transitional phase marked by developmental and social changes, often accompanied by behavioral challenges. Aggressive behavior during this period poses significant risks, including academic failure, social maladjustment, and long-term negative behavioral patterns. The study aimed to assess the risk factors which are associated with aggressive behavior among adolescents in Bangladesh. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 103 adolescents from Shahid Abdur Rab Serniabat Government Secondary School, Rupatoli, Barishal, using a convenient sampling technique. Data collection involved a self-reported questionnaire comprising two sections: 1) Demographic Information and 2) the Buss-Perry Aggression Questionnaire (BPAQ). Statistical analyses, including descriptive and inferential statistics, were performed using SPSS 25. Results: The mean aggression score among adolescents was (M = 2.70, SD = 0.62), reflecting average levels of aggression. Significant relationships were found between monthly family income (r = 0.19, p = 0.04) and the number of siblings (r = -0.62, p = 0.04) and aggressive behavior. Adolescents from families with higher monthly incomes exhibited higher aggression scores, whereas those with a greater number of siblings demonstrated lower aggression scores. Conclusion: The findings of this study provide insights into the risk factors associated with aggressive behavior among adolescents. These results can inform the development of targeted strategies to mitigate behavioral problems and support health education initiatives aimed at addressing the impact of aggression in this vulnerable age group.