Exploring reasons for non-adherence to daily intake of Iron and Folic Acid supplements among pregnant women in Lundazi district- Zambia

DOI

No DOI

Published In

Volume 2, Issue 4 (2022)

Published Online

March-April 2022

Pages

06-09

Article Type

Research Article

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Maternal deaths are directly connected to anaemia as one of the causative factors. To reduce the risk of anaemia in pregnancy, the World Health Organization recommends daily intake of Folic Acid and Ferrous Sulphate. In some cultures, pregnant women resist adherence to daily intake of Iron-Folic Acid with consequent increased maternal deaths. In Lundazi district- Zambia, maternal deaths rose to unproportional levels in part due to non-adherence to intake of Iron-Folic Acid and in part due to other factors. This study used a cross-sectional study design with a qualitative descriptive approach to explore tales of Folic Acid and Ferrous Sulphate in pregnancy in Lundazi district- Zambia. The study used 15 antenatal mothers and 15 Community Volunteers as study units. This study found that some antenatal women in Lundazi district did not adhere to Folic Acid and Ferrous Sulphate because of the belief that the tablets cause ‘big-head-foetus’ resulting in a difficulty delivery. Still Folic Acid and Ferrous Sulphate could not be adhered to because of the further belief that the supplements weakened pregnant women to enable them push during labour. Widespread effective awareness campaigns to communities by health workers will assist change community attitude and encourage optimal intake of Iron-Folic Acid daily supplement. Key words: , pregnancy, anaemia, adherence, supplement, daily