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.