FACTORS AFFECTING ADHERENCE TO IRON AND FOLIC ACID SUPPLEMENTATION DURING ANTENATAL CARE: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY.

Rezumat

Background: 

Iron deficiency anemia in pregnancy persists despite Ministry of Health efforts. Pregnant women, needing more iron for the growing foetus, benefit from iron-folic acid supplementation, a cost-effective intervention. Adherence to Iron and folic acid (IFAS) is crucial for anemia prevention and management. The objective is to estimate the level of adherence to assess the factors affecting adherence to IFAS tablets among pregnant women and to study the social factors influencing it. 

 Methodology: 

The cross-sectional study was carried out on a convenient sample of 135 pregnant women attending the Anganwadi Center for Antenatal check-ups. Data collection was done by pre-tested case record form based on the Medication Adherence Rating Scale (MARS) questionnaire. Qualitative data was analyzed by manual content analysis. Results are presented as percentages. 

 Results: 

A total of 135 pregnant women were included, and the adherence to IFAS among the antenatal mothers was 91.12%. A high level of adherence was found among pregnant women in the age group of 21-25 years (65 out of 69, 94.20%) and in women who are homemakers (83 out of 95, 87.37%). Primigravida (92 out 104, 88.46%) were associated with a higher level of adherence with IFAS. 

 Conclusion: 

Adherence to IFAS among pregnant mothers was good. Adherence is directly influenced by age, occupation, gravida status, regularity in ANC visits, and no. of dosage taken. 

 Recommendations: 

High adherence to IFAS among pregnant women, is influenced by factors like age, occupation, gravidity, ANC visits, and dosage intake. Targeted interventions for younger, homemakers, and primigravida can enhance adherence and reduce anemia. Education, counseling during ANC, and community outreach can promote adherence and ensure maternal-fetal health.