Antenatal Education in Reducing Risk of Anaemia in Pregnancy: A Scoping Review

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.70672/k2148075

Keywords:

Anaemia in pregnancy, antenatal education, effectiveness, gestational anaemia, nutritional education

Abstract

Anaemia during pregnancy continues to be a major public health concern worldwide, affecting a substantial proportion of expectant mothers and contributing to adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes. This scoping review explores the role of antenatal education in reducing the risk of anemia by examining the types of educational strategies used, their reported outcomes, and existing gaps in current practice. The review was guided by the Arksey and O’Malley framework and reported in line with PRISMA-ScR recommendations. Relevant experimental studies published between 2000 and 2024 were identified from four electronic databases. Following a rigorous screening process, 11 studies were included. Overall, the findings suggest that antenatal education delivered through approaches such as community-based counseling, digital communication, visual or art-based methods, and home visits can improve maternal knowledge, increase adherence to iron and folic acid supplementation, and raise hemoglobin levels. However, the effectiveness of these interventions appears to vary depending on contextual factors, including cultural background, literacy levels, and the extent to which behavioural theories are applied. In conclusion, while antenatal education shows clear potential in reducing anaemia risk, future interventions should place greater emphasis on theory-driven design, cultural relevance, and long-term evaluation. Digital platforms, in particular, may offer practical opportunities to enhance accessibility and engagement, especially in resource-limited settings.

Author Biographies

  • Norazlina Md Jazli, Centre for Nursing Studies, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM), Selangor, Malaysia

    Senior Lecturer

  • Sharifah Shafinaz Sh. Abdullah, Centre for Nursing Studies, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM), Selangor, Malaysia

    Senior Lecturer

  • Chong Mei Chan, Nursing Department, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya (UM), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

    Senior Lecturer

  • Nor Sufaradila Maizura, Centre for Nursing Studies, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM), Selangor, Malaysia

    Senior Midwife

  • Aminath Rinzy, School Of Nursing, Maldives National University, Maldives

    Lecturer

  • Jiaqi Zhao, School Of Nursing, Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, 121001, China

    Lecturer

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Published

31-05-2026

Issue

Vol. 9 No. 1 (2026)

Section

Review Article

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How to Cite

Md Jazli, N., Sh Abdullah, S. S. ., Chong Mei Chan, Nor Sufaradila Maizura Badrun Sufian@ Ahmad Zaki, Aminath Rinzy, & Jiaqi Zhao. (2026). Antenatal Education in Reducing Risk of Anaemia in Pregnancy: A Scoping Review. Asian Journal of Medicine & Health Sciences, 9(1), 88-111. https://doi.org/10.70672/k2148075