Compliance to Iron Folic Acid Supplementation and its associated factors among post-partum mothers of Bharatpur Metropolitan

BackgroundAnemia is a major global health issue, especially affecting young children, pregnant and postpartum women, and adolescent girls, with 1.92 billion affected in 2021, notably in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. Iron deficiency is a key cause, requiring interventions like iron and folic acid supplementation. Despite efforts in Nepal, anemia prevalence fluctuates, with compliance a concern. This study assesses iron and folic acid supplementation compliance among postpartum mothers in Bharatpur Metropolitan City. MethodA community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 303 postpartum mothers with babies aged 45days to 1 year in Bharatpur Metropolitan City. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using a pre-tested questionnaire. ResultsThe compliance rate for iron and folic acid supplementation among postpartum mothers was 48.2%. Among different sociodemographic variables, religion of participants was found to be significantly associated with compliance to iron folic acid supplementation (OR 5.367, 95% CI 1.173-16.636). Moreover, participants having more than four antenatal visits (OR 3.465, 95% CI 1.366-8.792), participants having good knowledge about anemia (OR 5.554, 95% CI 2.485-12.415), and participants having good knowledge about iron and folic acid supplementation (OR 2.442, 95% CI 1.064-5.60) were also significantly associated with higher compliance. ConclusionTo improve IFAS adherence, healthcare providers should focus on health education on the postpartum importance of iron and folic acid supplementation, along with diligent follow-up using culturally tailored strategies. Enhanced compliance will lead to better health outcomes for mothers and their babies.