Abstract:
Abstract
Introduction: Globally anemia in pregnancy is estimated to be 38% and it is around 46.3% in
Africa. According to Ethiopian demographic and health survey 2016, anemia was a moderate
public health problem (29%) among pregnant women in the country. Even though there are
many studies on adherence to iron-folic acid supplementation, there are limited evidences on
adherence to iron-folic acid supplementation of pregnant women on the perspective of health
belief model in Ethiopia.
Objective: To assess adherence of iron-folic acid supplementation and associated factors on the
perspective of health belief model among pregnant women who attend antenatal care in health
centers at Simada district, Northwest Ethiopia.
Methods: A facility based cross sectional study was conducted from February 24 - March23/
2020. Systematic random sampling technique was used to select 422 study participants.
Adherence to iron-folic acid supplementation was measured by self-reports of mothers they took
the supplement in the last one month. Variables with a p value of <0.2 during a bivariable analysis
were incorporated into the multivariable logistic regression. Significant independent factors were
declared at 95% confidence interval and P-value of less than 0.05 as cut off point.
Results: In this study, the prevalence of adherence to iron-folic acid supplementation among
pregnant women was 67.6% (95% CI = 63.3, 72.5). Pregnant women who had a history of
preterm delivery [AOR = 3.75, 95% (CI) = (1.46, 9.65], counseling on iron-folic acid
supplementation [AOR = 2.22, 95% CI = (1.10, 4.49)], high perceived threat [AOR = 6.31, 95%
CI = (1.72, 23.15)], high perceived benefit [AOR = 2.75, 95% CI = (1.27, 5.97)] and high selfefficacy
[AOR
=
3.63,
95%
CI
=
(1.70,
7.78)]
were
adherent
to
iron-folic
acid
supplementation.
Conclusions
and recommendation: Adherence to iron-folic acid supplementation among
pregnant women is higher in the study area. Past history of preterm delivery, counseling on ironfolic
acid supplementation, perceived threat, perceived benefit and self-efficiency had
association with adherence to iron-folic acid supplementation. Proper counseling and health
education about iron-folic acid supplementation based on perceived threat, perceived benefit and
self-efficacy should be given to pregnant women to increase their adherence.
Keywords: Adherence, Iron-folic acid supplementation, pregnant women, Ethiopia, health belief
model.
