An evaluation of nurses' knowledge and management of anemia in pregnancy at University of Abuja Teaching Hospital
- Project Research
- 1-5 Chapters
- Abstract : Available
- Table of Content: Available
- Reference Style:
- Recommended for :
- NGN 5000
Background of the Study
Anemia during pregnancy is a significant global health issue, affecting millions of women worldwide. It is defined as a condition in which a woman’s hemoglobin levels fall below the threshold necessary for adequate oxygen delivery to tissues and organs (World Health Organization [WHO], 2023). Anemia in pregnancy can lead to serious maternal and fetal health complications, including preterm delivery, low birth weight, and increased risk of maternal morbidity and mortality (Anwar et al., 2024). A major contributor to the high prevalence of anemia in pregnancy is poor dietary intake, limited access to prenatal care, and insufficient knowledge among healthcare providers, particularly nurses, on effective management strategies (Ogunlesi et al., 2023).
At University of Abuja Teaching Hospital (UATH), a tertiary healthcare facility in Nigeria, maternal anemia continues to be a major health concern. Nurses, as frontline healthcare providers, play a crucial role in the prevention, identification, and management of anemia in pregnancy. Their level of knowledge and adherence to evidence-based management protocols can significantly influence patient outcomes (Adebisi et al., 2024). However, studies suggest that many nurses in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), including Nigeria, face challenges such as inadequate training, insufficient resources, and limited awareness of current guidelines for managing anemia in pregnancy (Eze et al., 2025). These factors often result in suboptimal care and could contribute to the high incidence of anemia among pregnant women.
Furthermore, the understanding and practices of nurses in managing anemia in pregnancy are essential in reducing maternal and fetal risks associated with this condition. Nurses are responsible for educating expectant mothers, administering iron supplements, and monitoring hemoglobin levels throughout pregnancy. Despite these responsibilities, there remains a gap in research concerning the knowledge and management practices of nurses in Nigerian hospitals, particularly in Abuja (Okafor & Sani, 2024). This study seeks to evaluate the knowledge and management practices of nurses at UATH, with the aim of identifying gaps and recommending improvements for better maternal care.
Statement of the Problem
Anemia in pregnancy remains a leading cause of maternal morbidity and mortality in developing countries, including Nigeria (Adefolalu et al., 2023). Despite significant efforts by the Nigerian government and international organizations to tackle this issue, the prevalence of anemia among pregnant women continues to be high. Previous studies indicate that inadequate knowledge and poor management of anemia among healthcare providers, particularly nurses, contribute to this persistent problem (Ojo et al., 2024). Nurses are often the first point of contact for pregnant women, and their role in anemia prevention, diagnosis, and treatment is crucial in ensuring better maternal health outcomes.
However, there are limited studies assessing the knowledge and management practices of nurses in Nigeria, especially within the context of a tertiary healthcare institution like UATH. It is important to evaluate whether the nurses' knowledge aligns with current clinical guidelines and best practices for managing anemia in pregnancy. This research aims to bridge the knowledge gap by investigating the current level of awareness among nurses at UATH regarding the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of anemia in pregnancy. Additionally, the study will assess the practical application of this knowledge in the management of affected pregnant women.
The lack of empirical data on nurses' knowledge and management of anemia in pregnancy at UATH underscores the need for this research. This study will provide crucial insights into areas of improvement for nurse training and clinical practices. It will also highlight any systemic challenges such as lack of resources or institutional support that may hinder effective anemia management during pregnancy at UATH.
Objectives of the Study
- To evaluate the level of knowledge of nurses regarding anemia in pregnancy at University of Abuja Teaching Hospital.
- To assess the management practices employed by nurses in treating anemia during pregnancy.
- To identify barriers that may hinder nurses from providing optimal care for pregnant women with anemia.
Research Questions
- What is the level of knowledge of nurses at University of Abuja Teaching Hospital regarding the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of anemia in pregnancy?
- What management practices are currently employed by nurses in the treatment of anemia during pregnancy at University of Abuja Teaching Hospital?
- What are the challenges faced by nurses in managing anemia in pregnancy at University of Abuja Teaching Hospital?
Research Hypotheses
- There is a significant relationship between nurses' level of knowledge about anemia in pregnancy and their management practices.
- Nurses at University of Abuja Teaching Hospital have suboptimal knowledge regarding the management of anemia in pregnancy.
- There are significant barriers that hinder nurses from effectively managing anemia in pregnancy at University of Abuja Teaching Hospital.
Scope and Limitations of the Study
The scope of this study is limited to nurses working at University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, focusing specifically on their knowledge and management practices related to anemia in pregnancy. The research will only involve nurses who are directly involved in antenatal care services. The study will exclude other healthcare professionals, such as doctors and midwives, as their involvement in the management of anemia in pregnancy may differ from that of nurses. Furthermore, the study will be cross-sectional, meaning it will assess the knowledge and practices of nurses at one point in time. This limitation may affect the generalizability of the findings to other healthcare institutions in Nigeria or beyond.
Another limitation is the potential for response bias, as nurses may provide socially desirable answers during interviews or surveys, particularly if they feel their knowledge is inadequate. Additionally, the study’s reliance on self-reported data may limit the accuracy of the findings.
Definitions of Terms
- Anemia: A condition characterized by a deficiency of red blood cells or hemoglobin in the blood, leading to reduced oxygen delivery to tissues.
- Pregnancy: The state of carrying a developing fetus within the female body, typically lasting about 40 weeks.
- Management Practices: The procedures, interventions, and care strategies employed by nurses in the diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring of anemia in pregnancy.
- Knowledge: Understanding, awareness, and information possessed by nurses about anemia in pregnancy, its prevention, and treatment.
Background of the Study
Anemia during pregnancy is a significant global health issue, affecting millions of women worldwide. It is defined as a condition in which a woman’s hemoglobin levels fall below the threshold necessary for adequate oxygen delivery to tissues and organs (World Health Organization [WHO], 2023). Anemia in pregnancy can lead to serious maternal and fetal health complications, including preterm delivery, low birth weight, and increased risk of maternal morbidity and mortality (Anwar et al., 2024). A major contributor to the high prevalence of anemia in pregnancy is poor dietary intake, limited access to prenatal care, and insufficient knowledge among healthcare providers, particularly nurses, on effective management strategies (Ogunlesi et al., 2023).
At University of Abuja Teaching Hospital (UATH), a tertiary healthcare facility in Nigeria, maternal anemia continues to be a major health concern. Nurses, as frontline healthcare providers, play a crucial role in the prevention, identification, and management of anemia in pregnancy. Their level of knowledge and adherence to evidence-based management protocols can significantly influence patient outcomes (Adebisi et al., 2024). However, studies suggest that many nurses in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), including Nigeria, face challenges such as inadequate training, insufficient resources, and limited awareness of current guidelines for managing anemia in pregnancy (Eze et al., 2025). These factors often result in suboptimal care and could contribute to the high incidence of anemia among pregnant women.
Furthermore, the understanding and practices of nurses in managing anemia in pregnancy are essential in reducing maternal and fetal risks associated with this condition. Nurses are responsible for educating expectant mothers, administering iron supplements, and monitoring hemoglobin levels throughout pregnancy. Despite these responsibilities, there remains a gap in research concerning the knowledge and management practices of nurses in Nigerian hospitals, particularly in Abuja (Okafor & Sani, 2024). This study seeks to evaluate the knowledge and management practices of nurses at UATH, with the aim of identifying gaps and recommending improvements for better maternal care.
Statement of the Problem
Anemia in pregnancy remains a leading cause of maternal morbidity and mortality in developing countries, including Nigeria (Adefolalu et al., 2023). Despite significant efforts by the Nigerian government and international organizations to tackle this issue, the prevalence of anemia among pregnant women continues to be high. Previous studies indicate that inadequate knowledge and poor management of anemia among healthcare providers, particularly nurses, contribute to this persistent problem (Ojo et al., 2024). Nurses are often the first point of contact for pregnant women, and their role in anemia prevention, diagnosis, and treatment is crucial in ensuring better maternal health outcomes.
However, there are limited studies assessing the knowledge and management practices of nurses in Nigeria, especially within the context of a tertiary healthcare institution like UATH. It is important to evaluate whether the nurses' knowledge aligns with current clinical guidelines and best practices for managing anemia in pregnancy. This research aims to bridge the knowledge gap by investigating the current level of awareness among nurses at UATH regarding the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of anemia in pregnancy. Additionally, the study will assess the practical application of this knowledge in the management of affected pregnant women.
The lack of empirical data on nurses' knowledge and management of anemia in pregnancy at UATH underscores the need for this research. This study will provide crucial insights into areas of improvement for nurse training and clinical practices. It will also highlight any systemic challenges such as lack of resources or institutional support that may hinder effective anemia management during pregnancy at UATH.
Objectives of the Study
- To evaluate the level of knowledge of nurses regarding anemia in pregnancy at University of Abuja Teaching Hospital.
- To assess the management practices employed by nurses in treating anemia during pregnancy.
- To identify barriers that may hinder nurses from providing optimal care for pregnant women with anemia.
-
Research Questions
- What is the level of knowledge of nurses at University of Abuja Teaching Hospital regarding the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of anemia in pregnancy?
- What management practices are currently employed by nurses in the treatment of anemia during pregnancy at University of Abuja Teaching Hospital?
- What are the challenges faced by nurses in managing anemia in pregnancy at University of Abuja Teaching Hospital?
-
Research Hypotheses
- There is a significant relationship between nurses' level of knowledge about anemia in pregnancy and their management practices.
- Nurses at University of Abuja Teaching Hospital have suboptimal knowledge regarding the management of anemia in pregnancy.
- There are significant barriers that hinder nurses from effectively managing anemia in pregnancy at University of Abuja Teaching Hospital.
-
Scope and Limitations of the Study
The scope of this study is limited to nurses working at University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, focusing specifically on their knowledge and management practices related to anemia in pregnancy. The research will only involve nurses who are directly involved in antenatal care services. The study will exclude other healthcare professionals, such as doctors and midwives, as their involvement in the management of anemia in pregnancy may differ from that of nurses. Furthermore, the study will be cross-sectional, meaning it will assess the knowledge and practices of nurses at one point in time. This limitation may affect the generalizability of the findings to other healthcare institutions in Nigeria or beyond.
Another limitation is the potential for response bias, as nurses may provide socially desirable answers during interviews or surveys, particularly if they feel their knowledge is inadequate. Additionally, the study’s reliance on self-reported data may limit the accuracy of the findings.
Definitions of Terms
- Anemia: A condition characterized by a deficiency of red blood cells or hemoglobin in the blood, leading to reduced oxygen delivery to tissues.
- Pregnancy: The state of carrying a developing fetus within the female body, typically lasting about 40 weeks.
- Management Practices: The procedures, interventions, and care strategies employed by nurses in the diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring of anemia in pregnancy.
- Knowledge: Understanding, awareness, and information possessed by nurses about anemia in pregnancy, its prevention, and treatment.
Related Project Materials
A CRITIQUE OF DIPLOMATIC IMMUNITY IN INTERNATIOANAL LAW
ABSTRACT
Just as it is common for conflicts to arise in every human relationship, the relationship between an employer and an employee is...
Assessing the Role of Public–Private Partnerships in Enhancing Environmental Sustainability in Nigeria
Background of the Study
Public–Private Partnerships (PPPs) have emerged as a dynamic mechanism for addressing enviro...
UNITED NATIONS SECURITY COUNCIL AND GLOBAL CRISIS MANAGEMENT: A CASE STUDY OF THE UNITED STATES INVASION OF IRAQ, 1991-2008
INTRODUCTION
Evaluation of the Iraq conflict cannot be finished until the roles performed by two key actors—the Un...
The effect of programmatic advertising strategies on market share: A study of a fintech firm in Kano.
Background of the study:
Programmatic advertising strategies are transforming the way companies reach their target audiences by automatin...
Impact of Public Relations on Small Business Development: A Study of Kaura Namoda LGA, Zamfara State
Chapter One: Introduction
An Investigation into IT Service Automation and User Experience in Customer Support: A Study of Service-Based Firms in Katsina State
Background of the Study
The growing demand for faster, more efficient customer support has led to the adoption of IT ser...
Cost Control Mechanisms in Agricultural Enterprises in Daura LGA
Background of the Study
Agricultural enterprises play a vital role in the economy of D...
ISOLATION AND CHARACTERASATION OF ANTIMICROBIAL PRODUCING BACTERIA ASSOCIATED WITH THE SOIL
Background of study
Antibiotic resistance has recently emerged as a significant and alarming problem in the medical community. It is a re...
An assessment of play-based learning approaches in early childhood education in Gwale Local Government Area, Kano State
Background of the Study
Play-based learning has increasingly been recognized as a transformative approach...
PATTERN OF INSTAGRAM USAGE AMONG UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS
ABSTARCT
This study examines the Pattern of Instagram Usage Among Undergraduate Students of Delta State...
