Incidence of Side-effects After Weekly Iron and Folic Acid Consumption Among School-going Indian Adolescents.

OBJECTIVE

To estimate incidence of side effects after weekly iron and folic acid supplementation (WIFS) in Delhi and Haryana.

METHODS

In this cross-sectional school-based study, data were collected from 4,183 adolescents on WIFS consumption and side effects experienced first time of receipt of WIFS (week 1), and in last two consecutive weeks (week 2,3). Week 3 was 48 hours preceding the survey.

RESULTS

WIFS consumption in week 1, 2 and 3 was 85%, 63% and 52%, respectively. Side effects reported were highest in first week (25%) and reduced to 7% (week 2) and 5% (week 3). Side effects most reported were abdominal pain (80%) and nausea (10%). Adolescents (45%) who faced a side-effect in week 1 did not consume WIFS in subsequent week.

CONCLUSIONS

Incidence of side effects was low, but it affected compliance. Positive reinforcement to students who face side effects requires strengthening by teachers.