ADHERENCE AND ATTITUDE TOWARDS ORAL IRON AND FOLIC ACID SUPPLEMENTS AMONG PREGNANT WOMEN ATTENDING MATERNAL CHILD HEALTH CLINIC OF KAMPALA INTERNATIONAL TEACHING HOSPITAL IN BUSHENYI DISTRICT

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Adherence and attitude of pregnant women towards oral iron and folic acid supplements is the evaluation of compliance and knowledge of mothers towards IFA, which is a WHO recommended supplement for curbing iron deficiency anaemia. This is because anemia is the leading cause of maternal death.

METHODS: A prospective crossectional survey was conducted among pregnant women attending MCH clinic in KIU-TH. The sample size of this study was determined using Yamane formula and data collected randomly through questionnaires, analysed using SPSS and tabulated in tables

RESULTS: All pregnant women that participated in this research n=81, 81.5% had heard about the oral iron supplement while 18.5% had never heard about the oral iron supplement. Among those that had heard about it 95.5% took the supplement. However of those that took the supplement 34.9% were not compliant and major reason being forgetfulness with 59.1%.Majority of the mothers seemed to know the use of IFA with majority, 64.5% being aware that it prevented anaemia in both the mother and fetus and it was good for growth and development of the baby.

CONCLUSION: A high prevalence of non-compliance in supplement intake was observed due to forgetfulness and side effects encountered. Mothers who had follow up and high level of education were more compliant.

Key words: IFA, MCH, adherence, attitude.