Adherence to iron and folic acid supplementation during pregnancy among postnatal mothers seeking maternal and child healthcare at Kakamega level 5 hospital in Kenya: a cross-sectional study [version 2; peer review: 2 approved]

Background: Maternal anaemia is a public health problem worldwide, and its aetiology is linked to iron deficiency. The high nutrient demand during pregnancy exacerbates the condition. To meet the increased nutritional demand, supplementation of iron and folic acid (IFA) is key. The supplements are provided freely to pregnant women during antenatal visits at public health facilities, however, their uptake and adherence in Kenya remain unacceptably low. Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study involving 241 postnatal mothers seeking maternal and child healthcare (MCH) care at Kakamega level 5 hospital was conducted. Both quantitative and qualitative data were collected. Quantitative data were collected from 241 eligible postnatal mothers, while qualitative data were obtained through key informant interviews with community health volunteers and healthcare providers. Results: There was a moderate adherence to IFA supplementation (60.6%) during pregnancy among postnatal mothers seeking MCH care at Kakamega level 5 hospital. Some of the reasons for non-adherence stated by the respondents included; IFA related side effects (41.3%), forgetfulness (37.3%) and bad smell of the IFA supplements (10.3%). Higher IFA adherence was noted among the primigravida participants (OR=2.704; 95% CI: 1.262, 5.793; p=0.010) compared to multigravida participants, and those with a higher knowledge level of anaemia (OR=3.215; 95% CI: 1.346, 7.68; p=0.009) compared to their counterparts with low anaemia knowledge. Other factors that showed correlation with IFA adherence were: IFA education, pregnancy counselling before conception and the number of antenatal care visits attained. Conclusion: There is a moderate adherence to IFA supplementation during pregnancy among mothers seeking MCH at Kakamega level 5 hospital. The greatest impediments of IFA compliance during pregnancy are IFA side effects, forgetfulness and the bad smell of the IFA tablets. Therefore, providing IFA education to pregnant mothers incorporated with probable ways of managing the IFA side effects would contribute to IFA supplementation adherence.