Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices of Prenatal Ironfolic Acid Supplementation among Pregnant Women and Health Staff in Rural Niger.

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.