Perceptions and experiences of the prevention, testing, and treatment of anaemia in pregnant women: A qualitative evidence synthesis.

Abstract

Anaemia during pregnancy is a serious public health problem, inequitably burdening women in low-and middle-income countries. Despite numerous strategies and programs, anaemia prevalence rates have stagnated. We aimed to explore women's, health workers', and other key stakeholders' perceptions of anaemia in pregnant women, or their experiences with its prevention, testing, or treatment. We conducted a qualitative evidence synthesis. We searched MEDLINE (Ovid), Scopus, and CINAHL from inception to 12 November 2024, with no language or geographical restrictions. Data were analysed using thematic synthesis, and confidence in each review finding was assessed using the GRADE-CERQual approach. We included 61 papers from 23 countries. We grouped 25 review findings under four themes: (a) socio-cultural context of anaemia in pregnant women; (b) prevention and/or treatment of anaemia in pregnant women through diet, supplementation, or clinical intervention; (c) testing pregnant women for anaemia; and (d) factors affecting health workers' engagement in the management of anaemia in pregnant women. Women's management of anaemia in pregnancy was affected by the socio-cultural context, particularly their limited decision-making power and social position. Many women perceived a nutritious diet as integral to managing anaemia; however, high cost was often a barrier. Reasons women did not adhere to supplements included side-effects and difficulty remembering to take them, with family support improving adherence. Blood transfusion was perceived as treatment for severe anaemia, while intravenous iron was considered for women with iron-deficiency anaemia who were unable to take supplements, attended antenatal care late, or could not receive a transfusion. Health workers described difficulties testing pregnant women for anaemia and structural health-system deficiencies that affected their engagement. Findings may inform future WHO recommendations for managing anaemia in pregnant women. Future research could use review findings alongside implementation science frameworks to develop strategies for improving prevention, testing, and/or treatment of anaemia in pregnant women.