Comparison of Maternal Outcomes of Daily and Weekly Iron Tablet Supplementation in Pregnant Women in Coastal Region, Medan, Indonesia

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Weekly consumption of iron supplementation is preferred to daily consumption of iron supplementation because of its minimal side effects and higher level of compliance. 
 AIM: This study is to compare the maternal outcomes in pregnant women with daily and weekly consumption of iron supplementation in coastal region.
 METHODS: This prospective cohort study was conducted from July 2018 to January 2019 in Belawan Health Center and Medan Deli Health Center. Sixty-two pregnant women who met inclusion and exclusion criteria were given iron supplement everyday (Group 1, n = 29) and twice a week (Group 2, n = 33). Hemoglobin levels, hematocrit, and ferritin serum are tested before starting the iron supplementation. All numerical data were analyzed using t-test.
 RESULTS: There is no significant difference in mean hemoglobin and hematocrit before and after iron supplementation p = 0.222 and p = 0.793, respectively, however, decreasing level of ferritin serum from 41.21 to 26.29 ng/ml (p = 0.001) is found. Hemoglobin, hematocrit, and ferritin serum means, before and after supplementation were not statistically different between daily and weekly group (p = 0.421, p = 0.197, p = 0.917).
 CONCLUSION: To prevent iron deficiency anemia in pregnant women, weekly or daily iron supplementation show similar effectiveness although continuous consumption of iron supplementation during breastfeeding period is needed to restore iron loss during pregnancy.