Ferrous Sulfate and Folic Acid Supplementation in Pregnant People in Primary Health Care: a Cross-Sectional Study, Criciúma, 2022

Abstract Objective To evaluate the prevalence and factors associated with supplementation of ferrous sulfate and folic acid in pregnant people. Methods A cross-sectional, representative study with pregnant people treated in Primary Health Care in Criciúma, Santa Catarina, in 2023. Ferrous sulfate and folic acid supplements were evaluated based on the prenatal booklet for pregnant people. The prevalence of supplementation was calculated with their respective 95% confidence intervals (95%CI). Crude and adjusted Poisson regression analyses (hierarchical model) were performed, estimating prevalence ratios (PR) and their respective 95%CI, to verify the associated factors. Results A total of 428 pregnant people were interviewed. Of these, 97.4% used ferrous sulfate supplementation during pregnancy, and 93.7% folic acid. The analyses indicated that the use of ferrous sulfate was higher in older pregnant people, with PR 1.06 (95%CI 0.99; 1.13), and who consumed alcohol during pregnancy, with PR 1.04 (95%CI 1.00; 1.08). Regarding the use of folic acid, it was higher among pregnant people who had at least six prenatal visits, with PR 1.10 (95%CI 1.01; 1.20). Conclusion The results indicate high iron and folic acid supplementation among pregnant people in Primary Health Care. The identification of associated factors can guide more targeted and effective intervention strategies by Health Management.