Health-care professionals’ barriers to anemia prevention among pregnant women in Oman

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background: The incidence of gestational anemia is increasing in pregnant women. The factors affecting health-care professionals’ ability to prevent anemia among pregnant women in Oman remain unknown. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the barriers faced by health-care professionals in preventing anemia among pregnant women. Methods: This study used a qualitative design directed by the constructivist grounded theory. The researchers communicated with health-care professionals about the barriers faced within health-care institutions for anemia prevention among pregnant women. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 22 health-care professionals. The researchers selected five primary health-care institutions, intending to reach health-care professionals who provide antenatal care to pregnant women. Purposive sampling was used at the beginning of the data collection. Subsequently, theoretical sampling was performed to achieve data saturation. Results: Data analysis identified two themes: “Internal and external challenges.” The data analysis revealed that health-care professionals faced many barriers that impacted the prevention of anemia among pregnant women, both within and outside health-care institutions. Conclusion: Understanding the barriers faced by health-care professionals could help the Ministry of Health formulate the best approach to providing health education and services for pregnant women with gestational anemia in Oman, thereby solving deficits regarding antenatal services within health-care institutions.