Knowledge of Expectant Mothers on the Need for Folic Acid and Iron (IFA) Supplements Use among Expectant Mothers in Pumwani Maternity Hospital, Kenya
Abstract
Background: Out of three mothers, one has anaemia and lack folic acid, signifying that iron and folic acid (IFA) deficiencies make up the major micronutrient deficiencies among women in the world. Iron insufficiency is a serious health problem due to its increased prevalence and potential negative outcome. Iron insufficiency may lead to many adverse consequences like preterm births, stillbirth, underweight births, and maternal and neonatal deaths. The main aim of the research was to establish the assess the knowledge of expectant mothers on the need for Folic acid and iron (IFA) supplements use among expectant mothers in Pumwani Maternity Hospital, Kenya.
Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional design was used. The primary data was collected from the expectant mothers visiting PMH for ANC services by administering questionnaires and key informant interviews. The researcher used both probability and non-probability sampling methods. The researcher used random sampling approach to determine equal chance among the pregnant women in PMH. All expectant mothers that consented to the research were interviewed with the aid of a written questionnaire targeting a sample size of 341 participants. The data was collected, edited, coded and put into Epi-Data after which it was exported to SPSS. Descriptive analysis was utilized to establish the use of IFAS amongst expectant mothers. Distribution of the variables was analyzed via the use of frequency tables. Bivariate analysis was completed to establish the factors related with IFAS used amongst expectant mothers by using P-value and Pearson’s Chi-Square. Binary Logistic regression was used to establish predictors of use of iron and folate supplements. Ethical clearance to conduct this study was obtained.
Results: Findings from the study show that 70% of respondents used IFAS during pregnancy. Close to 52 % respondents had good knowledge on the use of iron and folate supplementation. Bivariate analysis illustrates that level of education χ2 (df=3) (15.15, N=341), p=0.02 and level of knowledge χ2 (df=1) (22.6, N=341) p=0.001 were significantly associated with uptake of iron and folate supplementation. Regression analysis shows that the level of education A.O.R=3.331 (CI 2.0119-5.496) p=0.0001, level of knowledge A.O.R=1.886 (CI 1.317-2.701) p=0.001 and the number of pregnancies A.O.R=0.154, (CI 0.010-1.413) were strong predictors of iron and folate supplementation. Social demographic factors that significantly influenced use of IFAS were household income and number of children. Formal education and mothers’ knowledge on use of IFAS significantly increased the odds three folds using IFAS. Use of IFAS reduced the chances to experience of anaemia in life or during pregnancy. Majority mothers were able to access health facilities and IFAS whenever needed. IFAS was affordable. The health facilities were operational and met health care needs. Health care workers hospitability and provision of satisfying prescription of IFAS increased use of IFAS by 9.5 and 2.8 times respectively. To achieve desirable coverage level on the use of iron-folate supplementation, policy makers should develop novel strategies to educate expectant women. All stakeholders should take a further step on promoting IFAS use to ensure 100% compliance.
