Antenatal care and mothers\u2019 education improved iron-folic acid adherence at Denbiya district health centers, Northwest Ethiopia: using pills count method

Azeb Atenafu,Missa Tarekegn,Terefe Derso,Abere Woretaw,Mamo Wubshet

doi:10.1186/s13690-019-0356-y

Azeb Atenafu, Missa Tarekegn + Show 3 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1186/s13690-019-0356-y

Copy DOI

Abstract

BackgroundAnemia is the leading public health problem among pregnant women worldwide. Iron-Folic Acid (IFA) supplementation is the strategy to control pregnancy induced anemia, but its adherence status was not well studied.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of IFA adherence and associated factors among pregnant women attending antenatal care at Denbiya district health centers.MethodsCross -sectional study design was conducted in Denbiya district health centers from April 2 to May 27, 2016. A total of 395 study participants were enrolled in the study. Systematic random sampling was used to select study participants. Data were collected using the interviewer-administered technique. Adherence to IFA supplementation was assessed by the pills count method. A logistic regression model was used.ResultsThe study revealed that the prevalence of good adherence towards IFA supplementation among Antenatal care (ANC) service users’ at Denbiya district health centers were found to be 28.01% [95% CI, 24.01, 35.9]. Attending secondary school and above [Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) = 3.44, 95% CI: 1.09, 10.92], having two ANC visits [AOR = 2.53, 95% CI: 1.34, 4.76] and three and above ANC visits [AOR = 4.14, 95% CI: 2.14, 8.01] were significantly associated with good adherence of IFA supplementation. To the contrary, husband education status; secondary school and above reduced the odds of good adherence by 77% compared to illiterates to IFA supplementation [AOR = 0.23, 95% CI: 0.07, 0.72].ConclusionThe prevalence of good adherence among pregnant women towards IFA supplementation was low. Mothers’ education and having two or more ANC visits were positively associated with good adherence towards IFA supplementation.

Highlights

Anemia is the leading public health problem among pregnant women worldwide
Education status; secondary school and above [Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) = 3.44, 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 1.09, 10.92], and antenatal care visits; two Antenatal Care (ANC) visit [AOR = 2.53, 95% CI: 1.34, 4.76], and three and above ANC visit [AOR = 4.14, 95% CI: 2.14, 8.01] were significantly associated with good adherence to Iron-Folic Acid (IFA) supplementation
Whereas husband education status; secondary school and above reduced the odds of good adherence by 77% compared to illiterates to IFA supplementation [AOR = 0.23, 95% CI: 0.07, 0.72] (Table 3)

Summary

Introduction

Anemia is the leading public health problem among pregnant women worldwide. Iron-Folic Acid (IFA) supplementation is the strategy to control pregnancy induced anemia, but its adherence status was not well studied. Anemia is the leading public health problem worldwide. The estimated prevalence of anemia was 24.8% in the general population; 47.4% in preschoolaged children, 41.8% in pregnant women, and 30.2% in non-pregnant women [1]. Pregnant women are at high risk of iron deficiency anemia due to increased nutrient requirements. 38.2% of pregnant women suffered from anemia worldwide [2]. Prophylaxis IFA supplementation is an important option to prevent iron deficiency anemia in pregnant women [4]. IFA supplementation is part of Antenatal Care (ANC) to reduce the risk of low birth weight, maternal anemia, and iron deficiency [5].

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion