Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices of Prenatal Iron-folic Acid Supplementation among Pregnant Women and Health Staff in Rural Niger
Cesaire T. Ouedraogo *
Department of Nutrition, University of California, Davis, CA, USA and Helen Keller International, Niamey, Niger.
Ryan K. Wessells
Department of Nutrition, University of California, Davis, CA, USA.
Nancy Keith
Independent Consultant, Washington, USA.
Ibrahim F. Bamba
Helen Keller International, Niamey, Niger.
Maimouna Doudou
Micronutrient Initiative, Sahel, Niger.
Banda Ndiaye
Micronutrient Initiative, Dakar, Senegal.
Sonja Y. Hess
Department of Nutrition, University of California, Davis, CA, USA.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Objectives: We aimed to assess knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) of iron and folic acid (IFA) supplementation among pregnant women and health staff in rural Niger.
Methods: KAP were assessed in 4 randomly selected villages in the Zinder region of Niger as part of a formative research study conducted to inform the design of a program to improve antenatal care services. Data collection included home interviews of pregnant women (n=72) and a focus group of 8-10 pregnant women in each village. In 5 randomly selected health centers, we observed 33 antenatal care (ANC) consultations, and interviewed pregnant women and health staff following these observations.
Results: Among 72 pregnant women interviewed in their homes, 96% had knowledge of IFA supplements and 97% of these stated at least one health benefit of IFA. However, among those who had already attended at least 1 ANC visit (n=52), only 65 % reported having taken IFA supplements on the day prior the interview. Reported side effects were rare. Among 5 health centers visited, 3 had IFA supplement in stock. Health staff did not provide IFA supplements to the pregnant women during 18 of 33 observed ANC consultations of which only 7 cases could be explained by the lack of IFA supplements in stock.
Conclusions: IFA supplements are well known by pregnant women. The supply chain of the health centers should be ensured and health staff retrained for an effective IFA supplementation among pregnant women.