RESUMEN
OBJECTIVES: We conducted this study to assess the risk factors of gestational anemia and evaluate the effectiveness of a culturally-tailored nutrition educational intervention on hemoglobin (Hb) status among pregnant Omani women. Newborn birthweight was used as a birth outcome. METHODS: The study was conducted in two phases. The first phase investigated the risk factors associated with gestational anemia in 206 Omani women who were 3 20 years old and had at least completed 12 weeks of gestation. A suitable sample was recruited at a tertiary teaching hospital in Muscat, Oman. Hb status was recorded, and backward linear regression was used to analyze the demographic and obstetric variables associated with Hb levels. In the second phase, a specially designed culturally-tailored nutrition educational intervention was delivered to women in the study group by trained research assistants whereas women in the control group received routine care only. The Hb levels of the pregnant women and birth weight of newborns after the intervention were evaluated in the second phase of the study. RESULTS: The prevalence of gestational anemia among 206 pregnant Omani women was 41.7%. A significant negative relationship was found between Hb and parity whereas a positive relationship was found between Hb and gestational age. The Hb level increased as the gestational age advanced (ß = 0.31, p < 0.050) and decreased as the parity increased (ß = -0.22, p < 0.050). The pre-post mean difference of Hb levels in the study group was 11.0 g/dL and in the control group was 10.7 g/dL. The difference between the pre- and post-test Hb levels for the study group was significant (t = 3.58, p = 0.001), indicating that the culturally-tailored nutrition education intervention was effective in improving the Hb level in pregnant Omani women. No significant difference was found between the study and control group with respect to birth outcomes. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of gestational anemia is high in pregnant Omani women. The use of a specially designed culturally-tailored nutrition education intervention for pregnant women supplemented with follow-up reminders can reduce the occurrence of gestational anemia. Such programs are ultimately necessary in light of the high prevalence of gestational anemia in developing countries.
RESUMEN
OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to develop and validate a health education programme to encourage breast cancer awareness and early detection behaviours among Arab women. METHODS: This study took place between December 2015 and March 2016. The Enabling Systems Raising Awareness model was used to develop a breast cancer health education programme which was subsequently implemented by trained health educators at three female-only fitness clubs in Muscat, Oman. Breast cancer knowledge among 53 women was assessed using the breast module of the Cancer Awareness Measure before and after each health education session. Overall pre- and post-session knowledge scores were then compared. Additionally, three focus group discussions were conducted with 10 participants from each location. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the transcribed discussions and collect feedback on the programme. RESULTS: The health education sessions resulted in a statistically significant increase in overall mean knowledge scores (P <0.001). Participants also reported significantly improved intentions to undertake early detection practices (P <0.001). The focus group discussions yielded distinct themes and valuable feedback which can be utilised in the future to create an improved version of the programme. CONCLUSION: While the health education programme significantly improved breast cancer and early detection knowledge among a cohort of Arab women, it still required critical improvements in terms of structure and administration. Additional studies are required in order to evaluate long-term behavioural outcomes resulting from the improved programme.
