Soraya Siabani
Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Iran
Title: Why pregnant women do not adherent to iron/folate supplementation? A cross-sectional study
Biography
Biography: Soraya Siabani
Abstract
Background & Aim: Iron deficiency anemia and acid folic deficiency are two important health problems involving pregnant women
worldwide, especially in less developed countries. Although these nutritional insufficiencies could be prevented by iron and acid folic
supplementation, adherence to prescribed supplementations is still problematic in many nations. A cross sectional study in Iran was
conducted to explore the likely reasons of non-adherence to iron/folate supplements.
Methods & Materials: In order to address the research question, 433 pregnant women selected randomly from western Iran (2016)
were interviewed. Data gathering instrument was a validated semi-structured questionnaire containing 27 questions including personal
characteristics, socioeconomic situation and the likely reasons for non-adherence. Using Chi-square and t-test, when applicable, the
relationships between outcome variable and predicting variables were assessed. A p-value of <0.05 was considered significant.
Findings: The mean and standard deviation (μ±SD) of women ages and their gestational ages were (27.86±5.54 years) and (23.29±9.86
weeks), respectively. The most common cause of non-adherence was forgetfulness and fear of side-effects, respectively. Educational
status was only factor significantly associated with adherence to both supplementations.
Conclusion: Adherence to iron and folate supplementation in pregnant women can be promoted by minimizing side-effects and
providing a strategy remembering women to take their pills on time.