ABSTRACT
Objective: To estimate incidence of side effects after weekly iron and folic acidsupplementation (WIFS) in Delhi and Haryana. Methods: In this cross-sectional school-based study, data were collected from 4,183 adolescents on WIFS consumption and sideeffects experienced first time of receipt of WIFS (week 1), and in last two consecutive weeks(week 2,3). Week 3 was 48 hours preceding the survey. Results: WIFS consumption in week1, 2 and 3 was 85%, 63% and 52%, respectively. Side effects reported were highest in firstweek (25%) and reduced to 7% (week 2) and 5% (week 3). Side effects most reported wereabdominal pain (80%) and nausea (10%). Adolescents (45%) who faced a side-effect in week1 did not consume WIFS in subsequent week. Conclusion: Incidence of side effects was low,but it affected compliance. Positive reinforcement to students who face side effects requiresstrengthening by teachers.