Awareness and Nutritional Practices Regarding Iron Deficiency among Pregnant Women in Zliten, Libya

• Souad Faraj Mohammed Daadoush

  Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Elmergib, Libya

  Author

Background: Iron deficiency remains one of the most common nutritional disorders affecting pregnant women worldwide and represents a major public health challenge, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Adequate maternal knowledge and appropriate nutritional practices are essential for preventing iron deficiency and improving pregnancy outcomes. Objective: This study aimed to assess pregnant women's knowledge, awareness, and nutritional practices regarding iron deficiency among attendees of Al-Houriat Health Center in Zliten, Libya. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 52 pregnant women using a structured questionnaire consisting of demographic characteristics and two domains assessing knowledge of iron deficiency and nutritional practices. Content validity was established through expert review, while internal consistency was confirmed using Cronbach's alpha (α = 0.86). Data were analyzed using SPSS, employing descriptive statistics and one-sample t-tests at a significance level of p < 0.05. Results: The findings demonstrated a high level of knowledge and awareness regarding iron deficiency during pregnancy (Mean = 2.69 ± 0.29; Relative Mean = 89.7%; p < 0.001). Participants also exhibited a high level of nutritional awareness related to iron deficiency prevention (Mean = 2.42 ± 0.34; Relative Mean = 80.6%; p < 0.001). Nevertheless, moderate adherence was observed for several recommended nutritional practices, particularly those related to dietary adequacy and regular use of iron supplements, indicating a gap between knowledge and actual behavior. Conclusion: Pregnant women attending Al-Houriat Health Center demonstrated satisfactory knowledge and nutritional awareness regarding iron deficiency. However, improving nutritional practices requires continuous health education, individualized dietary counseling, and enhanced adherence to antenatal nutritional recommendations. Strengthening maternal nutrition education programs may contribute to reducing the prevalence of iron deficiency and improving maternal and neonatal health outcomes in Libya.

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