Compliance with iron-folate supplement and Associated factors among antenatal care Attendant mothers in misha woreda, south Ethiopia: community based cross sectional study.

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.