KNOWLEDGE AND ADHERENCE TO THE USE OF BLOOD INCREASING TABLETS AMONG PREGNANT WOMEN WITH RISK OF ANEMIA AT AERTEMBAGA PUBLIC HEALTH CENTER OF BITUNG CITY

Abstract

Background: Anemia is a medical condition in which the number of red blood cells or hemoglobin is less than usual. Anemia among pregnant women increases the risk of low birth weight (LBW) of newborns. This study aims to determine the relationship between knowledge and adherence to consume blood increasing tablets among pregnant women with risk of anemia.
Subject and Method: The research was conducted using observational method with cross sectional study design. Samples were all pregnant women who checked their health conditions at Aertembaga public health center of Bitung City, amounting to 38 people. The sampling technique is using the convenience sampling. Data was collected using questionnaires. Univariate and bivariate data analysis techniques using chi square test.
Result:The result of statistical test, there is correlation between knowledge and risk of anemia in pregnant women (p <0,05), there is relationship between blood increasing tablets consumption and risk of anemia in pregnant women (p <0,05), and there is relationship between knowledge and adherence to consuming blood increasing tablets (p <0.05).
Conclusion: There is a relationship between knowledge and adherence to the risk of anemia in pregnant women. Advice: respondents need to increase knowledge about anemia, have to control regularly at the public health center and check the Hb level. The health center can provide counseling and motivation to pregnant mothers, so that pregnant women are more obedient in consuming blood increasing tablets.