This study was performed to assess the pregnant women's knowledge and
attitudes towards anaemia, its causes, prophylaxis, and treatment and
to describe existing problems with interventions for anaemia in antena
tal clinics. A total of 310 women were interviewed from three MCA-clin
ics in suburban Dar es-Salaam Anaemia was considered a major problem b
y 88% and 75%, respectively in the two peripheral MCH clinics, but by
only 44% of attenders in the hospital MCH clinic. Over 85% of intervie
wees were aware of the causes of and ways of preventing anaemia. The m
ost frequently mentioned cause of anaemia were related to nutrition wh
ile Intestinal parasites was mentioned by a few women. Only 5% believe
d that anaemia might not be dangerous for the mother. In all three cli
nics more than 90% were aware of the advantages of early booking for a
ntenatal care. None of the mothers had received any ferrous supplement
s during the current pregnancy, and only a minority (38%) in the previ
ous pregnancy though 40% of them said they were informed they had anae
mia in the previous pregnancy. Side effects were not reported as a rea
son for non-compliance. Thus, mothers were aware that anaemia is a hea
lth problem in pregnancy. They would accept effective intervention if
they were offered them. The irregular and inadequate supply of haemati
nics to antenatal clinics is a far more important obstacle to the impl
ementation of the anaemia prevention programme than the knowledge and
attitudes of the mothers.