Level of adherence to iron and folic acid and factors for non-adherence

A descriptive study was conducted in order to assess the level of adherence to iron and folic acid supplementation and to estimate the prevalence of anemia among antenatal women at selected urban and rural Primary Health Centers, Puducherry. The objectives of the study was to assess the level of adherence to iron and folic acid supplementation and to find out the factors for non-adherence among the study population. The research approach selected for the study was quantitative approach and descriptive research design. The study was conducted at selected Primary Health Centers at Puducherry. 103 samples were selected based on convenient sampling technique. The findings of the study revealed that out of the total samples, 37.86% repor ted low adherence, 31.07% reported medium adherence and 31.07% reported high adherence to iron and folic acid supplementation. 33.98% samples self reported that taking iron and folic acid tablet daily was major factor for non adherence which was closely followed by the side effects of the tablet (20.39%). There was significant association between the factors for non-adherence and the level of adherence to iron and folic acid supplementation at p<0.05 level. Systemic monitoring and promotion of the IEC, creation of awareness among the family members and antenatal mothers can effectively control the low adherence level.