Adherence to and predictors of iron-folate acid supplementation among pregnant women in a pastoral population in Ghana: a community-based cross-sectional study

Résumé fourni par la source

Iron-Folate Acid Supplementation (IFAS) interventions have been recognized globally as key in reducing the burden of anemia among pregnant women. However, adherence to and determinants of IFAS remain indistinct, as it is the main constraint with supplementation therapy, particularly among minority populations. Hence, this study sought to determine the adherence to and predictors of IFAS among nomadic Fulani pregnant women in the West Gonja Municipality of Ghana. A community-based cross-sectional design was employed to involve 130 respondents between February to July, 2022 in the West Gonja Municipality of Ghana. Fulani pregnant women aged 15–49 years, possessing maternal and child health record book and were given iron-folate supplements within 16 weeks and resided within the study area ≥ 6 months before/during the data collection period were included in the study. Multivariable logistic regression was used to determine independent predictors of IFAS using SPSS version 25.0 (p ≤ 0.05 deemed statistically significant across all models). ResultsUptake of and adherence to IFAS was 47.7% and 35.5% respectively. Major barriers to IFAS uptake were forgetfulness (25.7%) and unavailability (20.0%). About 65.4% of the respondents revealed poor knowledge of IFAS. Spousal occupation (AOR = 0.17, p = 0.010), spousal income (AOR = 4.125, p = 0.050) and knowledge on IFAS (AOR = 0.259, p = 0.039) were predictors of IFAS. Poor adherence to and knowledge on IFAS were noted in the study and highlighted as a grave public health concern. Thus, nutrition and antenatal educational programs should give necessary attention to adherence to IFAS during pregnancy, particularly among nomadic and other vulnerable and minority populations to limit the burden of illnesses. Poor adherence to iron-folic acid supplementation (IFAS) has been linked to greater risks of maternal anemia and currently serves as one of the major supplementation therapy challenges during pregnancy. This paper aims to determine the adherence and predictors of IFAS among Fulani pregnant women in the West Gonja Municipality of Ghana. We recruited 130 Fulani pregnant women in a community-based cross-sectional study. Those who met the inclusion for the study were recruited. Adherence to and knowledge on IFAS was low. Forgetfulness was the main iron-folate supplementation barrier. Spousal occupation, spousal income and knowledge on IFAS were the predictors of iron-folate (IF) supplementation. Community health interventions should be intensified to capture remote populations. Governmental policies should also be strengthened particularly at the antenatal level for a healthier pregnant population base.

Ce résumé expose les affirmations des auteurs. BNTIC ne l’interprète pas comme une validation indépendante des résultats.