Adherence Level to Iron Folic Acid Supplementation and Associated Factors among Pregnant Women in Mekele City, Tigray, Ethiopia

Abstract

The aim of this study was to assess the adherence level to iron folic acid supplementation and its associated factors among pregnant women. Relation of explanatory variables with adherence levels was examined using bivariate analysis without adjusting the effect of other factors. Finally, logistic regression was conducted to see the net effect of each variable by adjusting to the rest of the variables. Adherence level in this study was 59.8%. Educational level, perception of getting benefit, family approval and number of tablets received were significantly associated with the adherence level toward iron folic acid supplementation. The adherence level to iron folic acid supplementation in this study was moderate with educational level, number of supplements received, and perception of benefited and family approval playing an important role. Counseling both, pregnant women and her family, regarding the side effects and its importance can further improve the adherence to iron folic acid supplementation during pregnancy.