Effect of knowledge and perception on adherence to iron and folate supplementation during pregnancy in Kathmandu, Nepal.

BACKGROUND

Adherence to iron and folate supplementation during pregnancy is considered key to prevention and control of iron deficiency anemia. Nepal-like other developing countries-faces problems with adherence vis-a-vis iron/folate supplementation.

OBJECTIVE

This descriptive survey aimed to assess the effect ofknowledge and perception ofpregnant women on adherence to iron/folate supplementation in Kathmandu, Nepal.

MATERIAL AND METHOD: The present study was conducted in Paropakar Maternity and Womens' Hospital in Kathmandu. Systematic random sampling was used to select 406 persons who were either given a self-administered questionnaire or interviewed.

RESULTS

73.2% of the respondents showed good adherence. Bivariate analysis revealed significant associations between adherence and both knowledge and perception (p<0.05), but through multiple linear regression analysis only perception was found to be statistically associated with adherence (p<0.05). Further multivariate analysis demonstrated that the most important predictors of adherence were: perception of side effects, availability, forgetfulness and reminders from family.

CONCLUSION

Adherence to iron/folate supplementation among women during pregnancy needs continuous improvement by minimizing the perception of constraints (viz., side-effects and forgetfulness) and, enhancing availability andfamily support.