Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices of Prenatal Ironfolic Acid Supplementation among Pregnant Women and Health Staff in Rural Niger.
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Date
2015
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Abstract
Objectives: We aimed to assess knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) of iron and folic acid
(IFA) supplementation among pregnant women and health staff in rural Niger.
Methods: KAP were assessed in 4 randomly selected villages in the Zinder region of Niger as part
of a formative research study conducted to inform the design of a program to improve antenatal
care services. Data collection included home interviews of pregnant women (n=72) and a focus
group of 8-10 pregnant women in each village. In 5 randomly selected health centers, we observed
33 antenatal care (ANC) consultations, and interviewed pregnant women and health staff following
these observations.
Results: Among 72 pregnant women interviewed in their homes, 96% had knowledge of IFA
supplements and 97% of these stated at least one health benefit of IFA. However, among those
who had already attended at least 1 ANC visit (n=52), only 65 % reported having taken IFA
supplements on the day prior the interview. Reported side effects were rare. Among 5 health
centers visited, 3 had IFA supplement in stock. Health staff did not provide IFA supplements to the
pregnant women during 18 of 33 observed ANC consultations of which only 7 cases could be explained by the lack of IFA supplements in stock.
Conclusions: IFA supplements are well known by pregnant women. The supply chain of the
health centers should be ensured and health staff retrained for an effective IFA supplementation
among pregnant women.
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Ouedraogo Cesaire T, Wessells Ryan K, Keith Nancy, Bamba Ibrahim F, Doudou Maimouna, Ndiaye Banda, Hess Sonja Y. Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices of Prenatal Ironfolic Acid Supplementation among Pregnant Women and Health Staff in Rural Niger. European Journal of Nutrition & Food Safety. 2015 Special issue; 5(5): 749-750.