DOI: 10.36347/sjahss.2021.v09i02.003

Pages: 51-52

Anemia in pregnant women is an issue of concern even in urban areas. The city of Bouake in Côte d’Ivoire is no exception to this prevalence of anemia in pregnant women. This morbidity during pregnancy remains a risk basis for the survival of the mother-child relationship. Although it is admitted that several works according to various fields of research have been conducted to identify the causes, the consequences and the means of prevention of this morbid fact, it is nonetheless true to take into account the social perceptions that - extend this reality. This research aims to specify the explanatory model of anemia in pregnant women in order to contribute to the control of this disease during the prenatal period. An ethnographic study supported by a semi-structured interview supported by structured questions on perceptions and attitudes related to anemia targeted pregnant women in consultation at Ahougnanssou urban health center, so as to explain the characters of this morbidity through the mode of thought relating to this social group. Pregnant women interviewed equate anemia with blood deficiency in the body. This predisposes them to the risk of obstetric complications and mortality. They also agree that the lack of financial resources is the key factor in the exposure to anemia. Beyond this financial factor, they explain this morbidity through the irregular monitoring of pregnancy, while inappropriate dietary habits are the complementary explanatory factor for these women. The recurring risk factors associated with anemia among pregnant women in this research require a solution approach that takes into account social relevance. This logic should lead to changes in the provision of antenatal care and help reduce the vulnerabilities of pregnant women in the fight against this indirect cause of maternal mortality.