Association Between Knowledge and Compliance of Taking Iron/Folic Acid Supplements During Pregnancy

Abstract

Objective: In Indonesia, pregnant women are recommended to take a minimum of 90 tablets of iron/folic acid (IFA), to prevent iron deficiency anemia. Our analysis aimed at examining the extent to which improved knowledge on IFA supplementation is associated with women's compliance with taking a minimum of 90 IFA tablets during their last pregnancy in four districts in Indonesia.Methods: Data were derived from a cross-sectional study conducted in four districts, that is, Lebak and Pandeglang District (Banten Province) as well as Purwakarta and Subang District of West Java Province, Indonesia on June 2014. We used information from 436 mothers who delivered their baby in the last 6 months from the time of the survey and received at least 90 IFA tablets during her last pregnancy. Logistic regression analysis was used to examine the role of knowledge after controlling for confounders and other significant predictor on compliance with taking a minimum of 90 IFA tablets during pregnancy.Result: Significant association was found between knowledge of IFA supplements and compliance. Compared to women with poor knowledge of IFA supplementation, the odds of taking a minimum of 90 IFA tables increased by almost 100% in women with moderate knowledge (adjusted odd ratio [aOR]=1.96, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.17-3.30, p=0.011); and by more than four times (aOR=5.42, 95% CI: 1.76-16.68, p=0.003) in women with good knowledge of IFA supplementation. Other factors associated with compliance was attendance in at least four antenatal services (aOR=5.71, 95% CI: 1.28-25.53, p=0.023) and pregnant women experience of no side effects resulting from taking IFA tablets during pregnancy (aOR=2.70, 95% CI: 1.63-4.46, p<0.001). Conclusions:Efforts to increase women's knowledge on IFA supplementation through community-based education will increase women's compliance of taking IFA supplements. Strengthening counseling services on potential side effects of IFA supplementation and ways to manage them will also help to improve compliance.

Adherence to iron folate supplementation and associated factors among pregnant women attending antenatal care at public hospitals in Jigjiga Town, Somali Region, Ethiopia 2020

“…The odds of adherence for knowledgeable woman about iron folate supplement were more than twice of ill informed. The finding of this study was supported by studies done in Indonesia [ 24 ], Addis Ababa [ 18 ], and Southeast Ethiopia [ 25 ]. This could be when women knew the benefit of the supplement that decreases maternal and infant mortality and morbidity more likely to have adherence to the iron folate supplement.…”

<p>Effect of Integrated Pictorial Handbook Education and Counseling on Improving Anemia Status, Knowledge, Food Intake, and Iron Tablet Compliance Among Anemic Pregnant Women in Indonesia: A Quasi-Experimental Study</p>

“…42 The mean of IFA intake in the intervention group was 56 tablets (61.1%), out of the minimum recommendation of 90 tablets, while the mean intake in the control group was 23 tablets (25.6%). Many studies in Indonesia, 5,43,44 and others countries, 45,46 measured IFA intake for a minimum of 90 tablets or more during their pregnancy, regardless of regularity. The gastrointestinal side effects of the iron supplements were observed as the major deterrent to compliance with iron supplementation in this population, as reported at the end line of study by 41.4% pregnant women in the intervention group and 57.1% in the control group.…”

The Effect of Rectal Progesterone on Doppler Parameters of the Uterine Arteries for the Prevention of Preterm Delivery in Iraqi Population

“…However, the exact mechanism, dose, preferable gestational age, and route of administration are still not completely proven which require further researches to reach the ideal results. This work may help the obstetricians to understand the role of progesterone in suppressing preterm labor which represents a big dilemma in their work due to its major adverse effect on the baby's life and future physical health and mentality, in addition, to other medical care parameters such as health workers skills, antenatal care, and nutritional support which have a major role in preventing preterm birth in addition to other common medical problems [17][18][19][20].…”