Factors determining compliance to routine iron supplementation in pregnancy at the University of Portharcout Teaching Hospital.

BACKGROUND: Routine intake of iron supplements during pregnancy improves maternal health and pregnancy outcomes. This is observed in a background of increased availability and compliance to routine antenatal iron supplements. Poor compliance arises not only because of patient behavior but also from factors that may be out of patient's control. The aim of this study was to determine the proportion of patients who comply, the level of compliance with the iron prescription given at the antenatal clinic as well as propose interventions aimed at increasing compliance amongst the antenatal population.
METHODS: A total of five hundred antenatal clients were recruited randomly (the 3rd of clients presenting to the clinic) during their antenatal visits between 1st May and 30th June, 2009 at the UPTH. Prescriptions for iron supplements and folic acid were given and they were interviewed using a standard structured questionnaire. Women with low or high compliance were asked to explain what influenced their adherence to iron supplementation.
RESULTS: Overall compliance in this study was 88.0%. Women who complied fully were of the perception that good blood level and birth weight were beneficial effects of the routine iron supplement. Gastrointestinal side effects and forgetfulness were the main reasons for low compliance.