Investigating Determinants Impacting the Uptake of Iron/Folic Acid Supplementation among Antenatal Attendees at Hoima Regional Referral Hospital: A Prospective Analysis

Abstract

This cross-sectional study aimed to identify and analyze the determinants affecting the utilization of Iron/Folic Acid Supplements (IFAS) among women attending antenatal care (ANC) at Hoima Regional Referral Hospital (HRRH) in Hoima City, Western Uganda. Conducted from February to March 2021, this regional hospital-based study employed convenience sampling to recruit 345 pregnant women receiving ANC services at HRRH. Questionnaire tools were utilized for data collection, ensuring accuracy and completeness. Data underwent coding and entry into Epi Info version 7, subsequently analyzed using SPSS version 22.0. Descriptive statistics summarized the variables, while frequencies and percentages were presented through figures and tables. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to ascertain factors associated with IFAS utilization. The Hosmer-Lemeshow test assessed the goodness-of-fit of the final logistic regression model. Findings revealed that 42.1% of pregnant women attending ANC at HRRH utilized IFAS. The majority (82.03%) attended less than four ANC visits, with 43.19% reporting anemia during their current pregnancy. Moreover, 84.93% resided more than 30 minutes away from the hospital. Significant determinants influencing IFAS utilization included knowledge about its benefits, history of abortion, awareness about anemia, receiving health education on IFAS during ANC visits, and encountering no problems at the health facility (p < 0.05). The study highlights a low level of IFAS utilization among ANC attendees at HRRH. Factors such as awareness of IFAS benefits, history of abortion, knowledge about anemia, receiving education during ANC visits, and encountering no facility-related issues significantly influenced the uptake. Efforts to enhance education and address logistical barriers could improve IFAS utilization among pregnant women attending ANC at HRRH. Keywords: Iron, folic acid, anemia, Pregnant women, Antenatal care