Evaluating Anemia Counseling: A Study among Pregnant Women and Adolescent Girls in Bhanvad Taluka, DevBhoomi Dwarka, Gujarat

Abstract

Introduction: The iron requirement of the body increases during this period and resulting into anemia. National Family Health Survey-5 (2019-20), about 65% women (15-49 y) and about 62% of pregnant women were suffering from various degrees of anemia in Gujarat. Current study is the part of the innovation pilot project in which counselling was very important component. It motivated the beneficiaries to increase uptake of project services. Thus, the current paper is designed with the aim and objective to analyse the effect of counselling done for all the beneficiaries (Pregnant women and adolescent girls) in context for their improvement in anaemia status. Materials and Methods: The current study, conducted between June 2020 to March 2021 in Bhanvad Taluka of DevBhoomi Dwarka, Gujarat, is part of the innovation pilot Anaemia Project under ICDS. Utilizing a mixed-method approach, the study focused on 60 pregnant women and 304 adolescent girls, selected through simple random sampling. Verbal Informed Consent was obtained from each participant, and a semi-structured, pilot-tested questionnaire was administered in the local language by the evaluation team. The active involvement of counsellors, including FHW/ MS/ FHS/ ASHA, added a crucial dimension to the project, enhancing its effectiveness and outreach. Results: it was found that overall anemia burden among beneficiaries was reduced (9.34%) considering baseline and endline data taken during the study. This reduction was more seen among PWs (18.33%) as compared to AGs (7.56%). Conclusion: The results showed that nutrition education and counselling positively influenced the intake of dietary iron and vitamin C-rich foods.

Keywords

• counselling
• anaemia
• ifa
• diet diversification