Factors Influencing Adherence to Iron and Folic Acid among Primigravidas Seeking Antenatal Care in Mbarara District, South Western Uganda.

Abstract

Background: This study aimed at determining the factors influencing adherence to iron and folic acid supplements among Primigravidas seeking antenatal care in Mbarara district, South western Uganda. Methodology: This was a cross-sectional study done within Mbarara district among Primigravidas seeking antenatal care. Proportionate probability sampling and simple random sampling techniques were used to select 172 Primigravidas seeking antenatal care in Mbarara district. Interviews were done using a researcher-administered questionnaire with a quantitative approach. Data was entered in excel, cleaned and exported to stata version 17 for analysis. Logistic regression was used to determine factors associated with adherence to iron and folic acid supplements among Primigravidas. Results: The proportion of Primigravidas attending antenatal care in Mbarara district whose adherence to IFAS was defined as taking at least 80% of the prescribed iron and folic acid supplements was 64.53% (95% CI 0.52 – 0.63). Adherence was associated with age bracket; 20-29 years (AOR=4.57, 95%CI: 2.05-11.13), having a reminder to take iron and folic acid supplements (AOR=2.81, 95% CI: 1.33-5.92) and being counselled on the importance of taking iron and folic acid supplements (AOR=4.45, 95% CI: 2.07-9.31). Conclusion: Six in every ten Primigravidas adhere to IFAS during pregnancy (64.13%). Recommendation: Intensive and daily counselling about the importance of IFAS during pregnancy to be done by antenatal care providers especially to Primigravidas who are 30 years of age or older.