Iron and folic acid supplementation and compliance among pregnant women in Nanumba north district of northern region, Ghana
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Date
NOVEMBER, 2019
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Abstract
BACKGROUND: Available scientific evidence has shown that routine supplementation with iron
and folic acid (IFA) during pregnancy is an effective way of preventing anaemia in pregnant
women most especially in areas where its prevalence is high. Anaemia affects an estimated two
billion people worldwide, thus 30% of the world’s population mainly due to iron deficiency. Even
though, several studies have been conducted with numerous recommendations, the implementation
of iron and folic acid supplementation varies with the geographical and socioeconomic factors at
the place of implementation. Therefore, this study was to assess the compliance and utilization of
iron and folic acid supplements in the Nanumba North district of Ghana. OBJECTIVE: To assess the level of compliance and utilization of Iron and Folic Acid tablets
among pregnant women in Nanumba North District of Northern Region- Ghana. METHODS: A cross-sectional study design was used for the study. Quantitative method was used
to achieve the set objectives of this study. Data on IFA distribution and utilization was collected
among pregnant women using semi-structured questionnaire in addition to the review of maternal
child health record booklets. A total number of 290 pregnant women were recruited for the study
using convenience sampling technique. RESULTS: From the findings 51.4% the women booked for ANC within the first trimester whilst
43.8% and 4.8% commenced ANC visits in the second and third trimesters respectively. In addition, 67.9% of the respondents received IFA tablets during ANC services whilst 32.1% did not. However, 51.4% of the participants did not know the reason(s) why IFA is giving during pregnancy. The
results also revealed that 53.8% had no form of education/counselling on IFAS. The results pointed out that 23.4% have ever defaulted in taking their IFA with reasons such as
forgetfulness, fed-up with taking the drug, lack of supplements, and deterred by the inconvenience
associated with the drug such as difficulty in swallowing due to the scent of the drug, feeling
vi
nauseous and vomiting. It was discovered that 53.5% of clients do not get regular supply of IFA. It
was also revealed that women who have attained tertiary education were 8 times likely to adhere to
IFA (OR: 7.97; CI: 1.38 - 45.8; p-value: 0.020) whereas women who knew the required number of
IFA tablet required every month were 4.8 times likely to adhere to IFA tablets (OR: 4.79; CI: 2.15 - 10.68; p-value: 0.001). CONCLUSION: Generally, the time mothers booked for ANC service is not good enough to be
able to obtain the recommended four plus visits. Also the knowledge level of mothers on the
importance of taking IFA was equally poor. Gains will be made in IFAS if there is an improvement
in SBCC and logistical supply.
Description
A dissertation submitted to the School of Graduate Studies, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi in partial fulfilment of requirements for the Award of Master of Public Health (MPH) Degree in Health Promotion and Education.
Keywords
Iron and folic acid, Supplementation and compliance, pregnant women, Nanumba, northern region