To examine the relationship between iron-folic acid supplementation and anaemia (deficiency of healthy blood cells) in both mothers by employing a mixed-method study design, including a primary longitudinal cohort.
Supplementation of Iron-folic acid reduces maternal anaemia and has a less pronounced effect on infant anaemia, suggesting a need for early pregnancy anaemia monitoring programs.
To examine the relationship between iron-folic acid supplementation and anaemia (deficiency of healthy blood cells) in both mothers by employing a mixed-method study design, including a primary longitudinal cohort.
Iron-folic acid supplementation was used during the entire gestation. HemoCue Hb 201+ system helped to assess the anaemia status during the 2nd or 3rd trimester for mothers and at birth for infants. Qualitative data were gathered through in-depth interviews and forum group discussions.
The use of Iron-folic acid supplements exceeding 180 tablets throughout pregnancy showed a lessened risk of anaemia in mothers (adjusted relative risk [aRR] = 0.25, 95% CI: 0.092-0.664, P = 0.006) after accounting for potential confounders. However, there was no substantial link between Iron-folic acid supplementation and infant anaemia (RR = 1.033, 95% CI: 0.70-1.54 for 90-180 tablets and RR = 1.07, 95% CI: 0.70-1.63, for more than 180 tablets).
Interviews and discussions underscored the implication of Iron-folic acid knowledge, intake monitoring, and paternal involvement in lessening maternal anaemia. While Iron-folic acid reduced maternal anaemia, its effect on infant anaemia was less noticeable. The role of paternal involvement can’t be ignored for maternal and child health.
American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene
Association between Iron-Folic Acid Supplementation during Pregnancy and Maternal and Infant Anemia in West Java, Indonesia: A Mixed-Method Prospective Cohort Study
Ratu Ayu Dewi Sartika et al.
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