Assessment of Awareness and Practice of Micronutrient Supplementation among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Services at Accra Psychiatric Hospital, Adabraka, Accra, Ghana

Abstract Micronutrient deficiencies affect two billion people, mostly women and young children, with higher rates during pregnancy causing harm to both. Vitamin supplements can reduce this detrimental effect. This study evaluates pregnant women's micronutrient supplement knowledge and use at Bida's Federal Medical Centre. This descriptive cross-sectional study includes 381 people. Data was collected and analysed using a standard questionnaire over six weeks. The majority (67.9%) of respondents were aged 21-30, 46.7% had a gestational age of 4-6 weeks, 49.6% had secondary certifications, 41.5% were in business, and 53.5% practiced Islam. Most respondents (91.3%) know that pregnancy micronutrient supplements include Iron (fersolate) (94.4%), Folic acid (91.8%), Vitamin D (52.5%), Vitamin A (80.1%), and Vitamin C (86.6%). Most people (74.0%) use routine micronutrients, 65.6% daily. Fear of adverse effects (52.5%), cultural beliefs (78.7%), forgetfulness (50.2%), weariness with usual drugs (76.1%), and healthcare professional attitudes (86.8%) affected pregnant drug supplementation. The study reveals that routine vitamin supplementation throughout pregnancy is well-known and adherence to its use is crucial for preventing deficits (such as anaemia, spina bifida, and low birth weight) linked to non-adherence.Health personnel should prioritise elucidating the risks linked to non-compliance with routine micronutrient supplementation for the developing foetus and infant during antenatal education. Additionally, health personnel should adopt a friendly demeanour towards women during antenatal visits to promote the utilisation of these supplements. Furthermore, The government must make routine micronutrient supplements available, accessible, and inexpensive for all childbearing women. Keywords: Knowledge, use, micronutrients, supplements, pregnant women, determinants,