THE MAGNITUDE OF IRON FOLATE SUPPLEMENTATION ADHERENCE AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS AMONG PREGNANT WOMEN ATTENDING ANC SERVICE IN LAMI KURA SUB-CITY HEALTH CENTER, ETHIOPIA, 2024

Abstract

Introduction: Anemia is a common public health concern associated with an increased risk of morbidity and mortality among pregnant women. Iron deficiency anemia is the most common nutritional condition, impacting two billion individuals globally. Despite the well-known importance of iron and folic acid supplementation (IFAS) during pregnancy, adherence to these supplements is low, and associated factors have not been realized in well before. Objective: To assess the magnitude and associated factors of iron folate supplementation adherence among pregnant women attending ANC service in Lami Kura sub-city health center, Ethiopia, 2024 Methods and materials: The study used an institution-based cross-sectional design and was conducted from May 15 to June 15, 2024. A systematic random sampling technique was used to select the study participants. Data was collected via face-to-face interviews using the mobile-based Kobo Collect version 2022.1.2 application. The total sample size was 406 participants. For the data analysis, logistic regression was performed. Variables with a p-value less than 0.25 in the bivariate logistic regression were selected for the multivariable logistic regression analysis. Statistical significance was declared at a p-value less than 0.05, with a 95% confidence interval. Results: The study found that the proportion of mothers adhered to iron/folic acid (IFAS) supplement tablets was 73.8% (95% CI=69.00–78.60). More than half of the participants were knowledgeable about anemia during pregnancy (44.6%) and knowledge about the benefits of IFAS (61.8%). The factors associated with higher adherence to IFAS were good knowledge about anemia (AOR=2.15; 95% CI=1.18–3.12), good knowledge about the benefits of IFAS(AOR=5.52; 95% CI=3.01–8.21), history of abortion (AOR=2.23, 95% CI=1.27-3.09), more frequent antenatal care (ANC) visits(AOR=2.31; 95%CI: 1.31-3.16), and having received health education and counseling during ANC visits (AOR=3.24;95%CI:1.66-4.82). Conclusion and Recommendation: The study found that 73.8% of pregnant women adhered to iron and folic acid supplements, which is a relatively high rate compared to previous studies in the same area. Factors associated with higher adherence included knowledge about anemia and IFAS supplements, history of abortion, frequency of ANC visits, and receiving health education during ANC. To further improve adherence, should focus on enhancing the dissemination of information about the supplements and designing effective reminder mechanisms for mothers to take the supplements regularly.