Factors Influencing Intake of Iron and Folic Acid Supplements Among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Care Services at Chinhoyi Province Hospital, Zimbabwe

Abstract

Iron and folic acid (IFA) are micronutrients that are necessary for the human bodies normal functioning and development. Deficiencies in iron and folic acid during pregnancy can have a severe influence on both the health of the pregnant woman and the development of the foetus. This can be corrected by uptake of iron and folic acid supplements during pregnancy, though this is known to be low in low-resource settings. We therefore set to determine factors influencing the intake of iron and folic acid supplements among pregnant women attending antenatal care services. The study used a descriptive case study focused on pregnant women who visited Chinhoyi Provincial Hospital for antenatal care. Data was collected using a interviewer administered questionnaire after observing acceptable research ethical considerations. After enrolment and history taking, data on socio-demographic, behavioural and reasons for not taking supplements was all described using frequencies and percentages. The study enrolled 232 women of which, the majority were either in the 18-25 (n=58) or 26-34 years (n=54). More-so, 41.7% and 67% of the women had attained secondary level education and married respectively. Furthermore, the majority of the participants (n=72; 35%) resided at a farm or mine. The prevalence of a previous anaemia and past pregnancy related complications was 32.5% and 24.3% respectively. Overall, a mean of 4.1 showed that most women are compliant with medical advice received from medical personnel. In addition, uptake of iron and folic acid supplements in the past five-years was 32.5% and this was mainly due to reported anaemic condition. The majority of the participants (47.6%) indicated that they took the supplements as a directive from a health worker. Of the reasons affecting uptake of iron and folic acid supplements, participants highlighted lack of knowledge (8.7%), lengthy time of taking supplements (10.7%), unavailability of tablets at health facilities (15.5%) and side effects (21.8%) as the major ones. The study notes that, the prevalence of anaemia compares with regional countries as established in extant research. Lack of knowledge among women and unavailability of tablets at clinics are among the reasons affecting uptake of supplements among pregnant women. We therefore recommend the Ministry of Health and Child Care to intensify its community awareness programs to raise knowledge and understanding of the benefits associated with iron and folic acid supplements as well as the risks associated with the failure to prescribe the medications. In addition, relevant authorities prioritize stocking of supplements at all levels of health institutions.