Background: Anemia during pregnancy is an important maternal health problem and is associated with adverse maternal and fetal outcomes. Adequate knowledge regarding the causes, signs and symptoms, complications, prevention and management of anemia is essential for antenatal mothers to adopt appropriate preventive measures. Therefore, assessment of anemia status and knowledge regarding anemia and its prevention is important for promoting maternal and fetal health.

Aim: The present study was conducted with the objectives of assessing the prevalence of anemia among antenatal mothers at Capital Hospital, Bhubaneswar, and comparing the knowledge regarding anemia and its prevention among anemic and non-anemic antenatal mothers.

Methods: A quantitative research approach with a descriptive, hospital-based cross-sectional comparative design was adopted. The study was conducted at Capital Hospital, Bhubaneswar, Odisha. A total of 80 antenatal mothers were included in the study. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire consisting of socio-demographic variables and questions assessing knowledge regarding the definition, causes, risk factors, signs and symptoms, investigations, complications, treatment and prevention of anemia. Hemoglobin status was considered for classification of mothers as anemic or non-anemic. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The conceptual framework of the study was based on the P.A. Kinser and D.E. Lyon Model.

Results: The study also demonstrated statistically significant associations between knowledge/outcome and selected variables, including occupational status (χ² = 12.65, df = 2, p = 0.005), monthly family income (χ² = 9.88, df = 3, p = 0.019), gestational age (χ² = 7.54, df = 2, p = 0.023), and birth spacing (χ² = 10.22, df = 3, p = 0.017). Age, educational status, type of family, dietary pattern, parity and number of abortions were not statistically significant.

Conclusion: The study highlights that anemia remains an important concern among antenatal mothers and that knowledge regarding anemia and its prevention needs continued reinforcement. Although many mothers demonstrated awareness of important aspects of anemia, gaps were identified in understanding several preventive and clinical aspects. Regular antenatal counselling, individualized nutrition education, promotion of iron-folic acid supplementation, early identification of anemia, and continuous health education by nurses and other healthcare professionals are recommended to improve knowledge and support effective prevention and management of anemia during pregnancy.