Compliance with Iron-Folic Acid Supplementation Among Pregnant Women in the Bekwai Municipality, Ghana

Abstract

: Globally, 40% of pregnant women are affected by anaemia. Anaemia, low haemoglobin level in the bloodstream, has many negative effects on pregnancy. The World Health Organisation recommends supplementation with iron and folic acid to prevent the incidence of anaemia in pregnancy. In Ghana, iron and folic acid supplementation has been through Ante Natal Clinics. Despite this intervention, Anaemia in Pregnancy prevalence in Bekwai has been above 37% for three years, higher than the national average of 25%. This study found out the compliance level and determining factors among ANC clients. This facility-based quantitative descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out in two sub-districts using multistage sampling. Data was collected using structured questionnaire. Data entered into SPSS was exported to Stata version for analysis. Demographic and obstetric data were analysed into frequencies and percentages. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to identify factors affecting compliance. Compliance was low (38.8%), despite high knowledge (90.3%). Gravidity (p-value 0.025 AOR= 5.88, 95% CI= 2.214-15.542) and level of knowledge (P-Value 0.01, AOR 2.89, 95%CI= 0.592-12.10) positively affected compliance. It was recommended that health education at ANC be improved, and adherence partners introduced to help prevent forgetfulness.