Abstract:
Objective: Strict compliance to iron and folic acid supplementation is vital for prevention of anemia in pregnancy.
However, data are scarce in Ethiopia. So, we conducted this study to assess the level of compliance to iron and folic
acid supplementation during pregnancy and its associated factors.
Results: Of 418 women, over half, 231 (55.3%), adhered to the recommended iron and folic acid supplementation.
Women who started antenatal care (ANC) follow up early [AOR; 95% CI 2.43 (1.12–5.26)], had more frequent number
of ANC visit [AOR; 95% CI 2.73 (1.32–5.61)], took small number of tablets per visit [AOR; 95% CI 3.0 (1.21–7.43)], had history
of anemia [AOR; 95% CI 1.9 (1.17–3.12)], and were from urban areas [AOR; 95% CI 2.2 (1.29–3.77)], were more likely
to conform to recommended iron and folic acid supplementation. Therefore, there need to be prescription of the
lowest possible number of tablets per visit. Furthermore, education targeting on increasing maternal health service
utilization need to be in place. There need to also be further research aimed at determining the number of tablets to
be prescribed per visit specific to individuals’ background characteristics.
Keywords: Compliance/adherence, Iron and folic acid supplementation, Antenatal care, Ethiopia
