Uptake of iron supplements and anemia during pregnancy in Nigeria. (21st September 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Idemili-Aronu, Ngozi; Igweonu, Obianuju; Onyeneho, Nkechi
• Is Part Of: Journal of public health. Volume 44:Number 1(2022)
• Page Start: 111
• Page End: 120
• Publication Date: 2020-09-21
• Subjects: anemia -- compliance -- iron–folate supplementation -- Nigeria; Public health -- Periodicals; Public health -- Great Britain -- Periodicals; Medical policy -- Periodicals; Medical policy -- Great Britain -- Periodicals; 362.1
• DOI: 10.1093/pubmed/fdaa168
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1741-3842

Abstract

Abstract: Background: Uptake of iron –folate supplementation for at least 90 days during pregnancy is recommended as a cost-effective way of reducing iron deficiency anemia, the commonest form of anemia among women of childbearing ages . The paper examines the level of compliance in Nigeria. Methods: We analysed a sample of 14 740 married women aged 15–49 years from the 2018 Nigerian Demographic and Health Survey with available data on hemoglobin and anemia. Multinomial logistic regression models were used to establish associations between socio-demographic characteristics, compliance with recommended uptake of micronutrients and anemia status of the mothers. Results: A number of socio-demographic factors, namely maternal age, type of residence, education, wealth, among others correlated with incidence of maternal anemia as well as compliance with recommended uptake of micronutrient to protect against anemia. For instance, whereas 46.3% of mothers from rural backgrounds were not anemic, 39.0% of those with urban background were not anemic ( P < 0.001). More than half (56.2%) of mothers in the richest households were anemic compared with about a third (34.6%) of mothers in the poorest household who were not anemic ( P < 0.001) . The urban dwellers, richer and more educated mothers complied more with the uptake of iron–folate supplements to protect against anemia during pregnancy ( P < 0.001). The younger mothers (15–29 years) were more likely to comply with iron intake (odds ratio: 1.150 (1.060–1.247)).