Consumption of Iron and Folic Acid tablets during Pregnancy among Postnatal mothers in a Tertiary care Hospital in Vadodara, India

Abstract

Background National Family Health Survey – 4 data show that 50% of pregnant women in India are affected by anemia. Anemia Mukt Bharat- Intensified Iron plus Initiatives fosters newer strategies for tackling anaemia including anaemia during pregnancy. Objectives To assess the adequacy of consumption of Iron and Folic Acid tablets during pregnancy under intensified iron plus initiatives and its associated factors among postnatal mothers. Material and Methods At Sir SayajiRao General Hospital in Vadodara, 170 postnatal mothers were interviewed during September to October 2019 and data was collected on their socio-demographic, pregnancy and antenatal check-up characteristics and tablets taken during pregnancy in appropriate doses for a number of days. The consumption of Iron and Folic Acid tablets in appropriate doses for 150 to180 days was taken as fair to adequate consumption Results Around 60% of women had consumed less than 150 days of Iron and Folic Acid tablets. There was a statistically significant association between women who were referred and had inadequate iron and folic acid tablets consumption. Conclusion Fair to adequate consumption of Iron and Folic Acid tablets during pregnancy tends to be very low. Proper attention is required to the referral cases.

Keywords

• Iron deficiency Anaemia, Intensified Iron Plus Initiatives, Iron and Folic Acid tablets consumption