Adherence to iron supplements consumption and associated factors in Peruvian pregnant women

Abstract

Introduction: Anemia during pregnancy is considered a public health problem. The strategy for its reduction includes iron supplementation.

Objective: Analyze adherence to iron supplements in pregnant women treated in health facilities of the Peruvian Ministry of Health.

Methods: A cross-sectional sentinel surveillance study of adherence to iron salts was conducted in 1038 pregnant women from Peru, who were treated in hospitals, health centers and health posts, and who received iron supplements. A structured interview was applied to measure the factors to adherence, and adherence was determined when supplement consumption was > 75%. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression were applied.

Results: 42.3 % of the pregnant women were adherents to the iron supplement. Adherence was associated with: having a university education (ORa 3.4; CI 95 % 1.5:7.7), consumption of foods rich in iron (ORa 1.6; 95% CI 1.1:2.5), do not discontinue the treatment due to discomfort (ORa: 2.8 CI 95% 1.7:4.6) and living at an altitude between 1001 m.a.s.l to 2000 m.a.s.l (ORa 4.0; CI 95 % 1.6:10.1). These factors explain between 12% and 16% of the adherence rates, and were predictive to identify adherence in pregnant women with an area under the curve of 70.4%.

Conclusions: Treatment with iron salts in pregnant women is insufficient, so the consumption of foods rich in iron and other fortified foods basically aimed at pregnant women should be included in their diet, in a comprehensive and simultaneous way. In addition, health strategies must be drawn up to identify social determinants, such as educational level, that affect adherence to treatment, with a view to reduce their influence.