Assessment of Compliance to Oral Iron and Folic Acid Supplementation among Pregnant Women in Wardha District: A Protocol for Community-based Mixed Method Study

Background: Anemia is a significant public healthcare challenge. It is prevalent, particularly among pregnant women, and leads to many complications among mothers and newborn children. According to NFHS 5, compliance with consumption of oral iron and folic acid supplementation (IFAS) in Wardha is 50%, hence, there is a need for in-depth exploration of sociocultural factors impacting pregnant women’s adherence to oral iron and folic acid supplementation (IFAS). The proposed research will investigate pregnant women’s oral iron and folic acid supplementation (IFAS) compliance and identify factors affecting the availability, compliance, and intake of oral iron and folic acid supplementation (IFAS) and iron-rich foods. Subject and Methods: The study design will be a community-based mixed-method study conducted in randomly selected primary health centers in the Wardha district. Inferential statistics and regression analysis will be used for quantitative and qualitative data through thematic analysis. R Studio version 4.1.2 shall be used for statistical data analysis. Frequency and proportions of quantitative data must be recorded; thematic analysis of qualitative data must be completed; and inferential statistics such as logistic regression analysis must be performed for conformity evaluation. Results: The expected outcome of the study is the compliance rate of oral iron and folic acid (IFAS) and various determinants affecting the adherence rate and availability and compliance of oral iron and folic acid supplementations. Conclusions: The study will assess compliance in regards to oral iron and folic acid supplementation among pregnant women and participants and stakeholder perceptions of oral iron and folic acid (IFAS) and determinants of compliance through qualitative inquiry, the findings shall help to inform stakeholders for corrective measures and improved MCH outcomes.