Factors Influencing Folic Acid and Iron Supplement Use Among Pregnant Women at Hoima Regional Referral Hospital in Uganda

Abstract

The study sought to assess adherence levels to Folic Acid and Iron supplementation among expectant women attending antenatal care at Hoima Regional Referral Hospital. Findings revealed a 58.8% adherence rate among pregnant mothers. Among adherents, the majority were younger than 30, Christians, rural residents, cohabiting, had primary education, and were homemakers. Notably, only a minority were experiencing their first pregnancy. Regarding awareness and advice, a significant percentage knew about the preventive benefits of Iron-folic acid supplements against anemia, had received advice on supplementation benefits and the necessity of not missing doses. However, awareness about the specific benefits, dosage, and sources of folic acid and iron was limited. While most attended early ANC visits, only a fraction knew about folic acid benefits and sources, the correct dosage, or foods containing folic acid. Additionally, just over half met the recommended ANC visit frequency. Factors influencing adherence were largely tied to demographics such as age, religion, residence, partnership status, education, and employment, alongside knowledge gaps about supplementation benefits and dosages. Conversely, behaviors like alcohol intake, late or infrequent ANC attendance, and negative experiences during ANC acted as barriers to adherence. Keywords: Pregnancy, Anaemia, Antenatal Care, Folic acid, Iron supplementation.