TITLE:
Contribution Study of Nurse’s Role in Management of Anemia during Pregnancy
AUTHORS:
Jackson Ntakirutimana, Scophyle M’Munga Mkambwa, Jeanine Ndayisenga, Prosper Niyonkuru, Joselyne Ndayishimiye, François Nzeyimana, Aimable Mugisha, Edouard Niyongabo
KEYWORDS:
Anemia, Pregnancy, Care, Nurse, Health
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Nursing,
Vol.16 No.3,
March
26,
2026
ABSTRACT: Background: Anemia during pregnancy is a common and worrying condition, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa and Burundi, where it affects nearly half of pregnant women. It is mainly caused by nutritional deficiencies, infections, and unfavorable socioeconomic conditions. This condition increases the risk of serious maternal and neonatal complications. The role of nurses is crucial in prevention, screening, education, and prenatal monitoring. The aim of our study was to evaluate nursing management of anemia in pregnant women. Method: This was a cross-sectional study with descriptive aim and analytical type; it was conducted at CHUK (Centre Hospitalo-Universitaire de Kamenge) and the Van Norman Clinic (CVN) among nurses working in gynecology and obstetrics department. Data collection was carried out using questionnaires, interviews, and observations, supported by the KoboCollect application. Results: The results showed that while specific training improves the follow-up of women at risk (66.67% and 56.25% at CHUK and at CVN), it does not significantly impact other essential interventions such as health education (10.42%) or the monitoring of clinical signs (6.25%). The majority of nurses do not use specific protocols (98%), and access to diagnostic tests is considered easy by only 50%, which limits the consistency of care. The main challenges remain the lack of resources (70.83%) and insufficient ongoing training (83.33%), hindering comprehensive and effective management. Conclusion: The study showed that nurses play a key role in the management of anemia during pregnancy, especially when they have received specific training. Their involvement also depends on the perceived ease of the tasks. Strengthening training and interprofessional coordination is essential to improve care.