A Cross-Sectional Study on Consumption of Iron and Folic Acid Supplements and its Determinants among Women During Pregnancy in Rural Punjab, India

Introduction: Anaemia in pregnancy remains a public health problem and is an important indirect cause of maternal mortality. Iron deficiency is regarded as the most common cause of anaemia during pregnancy. World Health Organization recommends daily oral iron and folic acid (IFA) supplementation as part of antenatal care. Despite this recommendation, the use of IFA supplements is still very low in several developing countries. Objectives: To determine the prevalence of consumption of IFA supplements and to identify its determinants among women while pregnant. Methods: It was a population based cross sectional study done in rural field practice area of community medicine. Total of 370 mothers of two months to two years old children were selected by PPS sampling. Data so collected was analysed by SPSS using descriptive inferential and chi square test. Results: Prevalence of IFA consumption for 180 days or more was 56.7%. Factors like caste, socioeconomic status of family, education of respondent as well as husband, parity and knowledge about antenatal care, anaemia and IFA consumption were significantly associated with consumption of IFA supplements. Side effects, forgetfulness and lack of knowledge about duration of intake were main reasons for discontinuation. Conclusion: There is a need to generate awareness regarding importance and correct duration of IFA consumption during pregnancy and constant mobilisation and support by health workers is required to increase the compliance