Abstract:
ackground: Despite the efforts to reduce iron deficiency anemia during pregnancy,
information on the level of compliance with iron-folate supplement and associated factors is
lacking. The major problem with iron-folate supplementation in pregnancy is compliance, and
this may be a potential driver to the persistent high prevalence of anemia in pregnant mothers.
Objective: To assess compliance with iron-folate supplement and associated factors among
antenatal care attendant mothers in Misha Woreda, South Ethiopia, 2015.
Method: Community based cross-sectional study triangulated with in-depth interview method
was conducted in Misha Woreda from March 1 to 30/ 2015. The data were collected from 296
respondents selected by simple random sampling technique after allocating the total sample to
each kebele proportionally. As part of qualitative method 13 in-depth interview were conducted.
Descriptive statistics, bivariate analysis and multivariable logistic regression analysis were
employed to identify factors associated with compliance with iron-folate supplement.
Results: Three hundred three pregnant mothers were estimated for the study and from this 296
mothers were participated in the study yielding response rate of 97.6%. The compliance rate was
39.2%. Age of mothers ( >=25 years) [AOR =2.985, p-value = 0.037, 95% CI = (1.069, 8.340)],
knowledge of anemia [AOR = 4.451, p-value = 0.001, 95% CI = (2.027, 9.777)], knowledge of
iron-folate supplement [AOR = 3.509, p-value = 0.006, 95% CI = (1.442, 8.537)], counseling on
iron-folate supplement [AOR = 4.093, p-value = 0.001, 95% CI = (2.002, 8.368)] and frequency
of ANC visits[AOR = 3.558, p-value = 0.023, 95% CI = (1.189, 10.653)] were significantly
associated with compliance with iron-folate supplement.
Conclusion: Compliance rate of iron-folate supplementation during pregnancy remains very low
in the Misha Woreda. Compliance with iron-folate supplementation can be increased by
providing women with clear instructions about iron-folate tablet intake and educating them about
anemia and health benefits of the iron-folate-tablets. Also promoting mothers to visit ANC at
least four times can improve their status of compliance with iron-folate supplementation.
