Effectiveness of Behavioural Intervention Regarding Anaemia and Its Prevention among Postnatal Mothers: An Interventional Study

Abstract Anaemia is a public-health concern that may persist after childbirth and affect maternal recovery and well-being. This study assessed the effectiveness of a behavioural intervention regarding anaemia and its prevention among postnatal mothers. A quantitative approach and quasi-experimental one-group pre-test–post-test design were used in the postnatal unit of Jalpaiguri Government Medical College and Hospital, West Bengal. Of 83 mothers initially enrolled/interviewed, 55 postnatal mothers with haemoglobin below 11 g/dL were included in the final analysis. Knowledge was assessed before and after structured teaching, and haemoglobin was reassessed 30–42 days after delivery. The mean knowledge score increased from 15.45 (SD 3.37) to 19.69 (SD 1.76), with a statistically significant difference (paired t=8.27, df=54, p<0.001). Mean haemoglobin increased from 9.55 (SD 0.98) g/dL at first contact to 10.72 (SD 0.75) g/dL at follow-up (paired t=10.444, df=54, p<0.001). At follow-up, 25 mothers (45.45%) had haemoglobin levels of at least 11 g/dL. The findings indicate improved knowledge and haemoglobin levels between baseline and follow-up. Because the study had no control group, the haemoglobin change cannot be attributed to the intervention alone. Structured teaching may support postnatal care alongside appropriate treatment, nutrition and follow-up.