A study on compliance to iron-folic acid therapy and its effects on anemia during pregnancy.

Background: Anemia in pregnancy remains a public health problem even thirty-four years after the launch of the National Nutritional Programme. Aims: To study the intake of Iron-folic acid by the pregnant women their effects on anemia and the reasons for non-adherence during pregnancy in the field setting. Setting and Design: A longitudinal study was carried out at an antenatal clinic of a rural field practice area. Methods: A total of 110 anemic pregnant women registered at the antenatal clinic made the study group. Statistical Analysis: Paired t-test was applied to compare the mean values. Results: A significant rise in hemoglobin levels was seen among those who consumed 50 or more Iron-folic acid while a significant fall in hemoglobin levels was observed among pregnant women who consumed 49 or less Iron-folic acid tablets. Only one pregnant woman (0.9%) had adhered to Iron-folic acid intake as per the definition of non-adherence adopted in the study. Majority (71.7%) cited forgot to take tablets as the reason for non-adherence. A total of three focus group discussion revealed that very few knew that Iron-folic acid were iron tablets. Conclusions: Although intake of Iron-folic acid during pregnancy increases hemoglobin levels but most women still remained anemic associated with irregular intake of Iron-folic acid The high proportion of non-adherence to Iron-folic acid intake inspite of regular supply suggest the need for better operational strategies to ensure regular intake. (authors)