Factors influencing iron supplement uptake among pregnant women attending antenatal care at Ndejje Health Centre IV, Wakiso District. A cross-sectional study.

Abstract

Background.

Iron deficiency anemia remains a major public health problem among pregnant women in Uganda, contributing to adverse maternal and fetal outcomes. This study aimed to assess factors influencing iron supplement uptake among pregnant women attending ANC at Ndejje Health Centre IV, Wakiso District.

 Methodology.

A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 40 pregnant women attending ANC at Ndejje Health Centre IV. Data were collected using a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire covering socio-demographic characteristics, individual factors, and health facility-related factors influencing iron supplement uptake. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and presented in frequencies and percentages.

 Results.

Most respondents were aged 20–29 years (50%), had secondary education (45%), and were self-employed (40%). Although half of the respondents (50%) knew that iron supplements help to make more blood, only 45% reported starting iron supplementation during the current pregnancy, and among these, only 44.4% were still taking the supplements. Forgetfulness (65%), discomfort such as bad taste, nausea, and vomiting (55%), taking multiple medicines (65%), lack of family support (35%), and limited exposure to health information (50%) negatively influenced uptake. Health facility factors included long distance to the facility (45% lived more than 5 km away), late initiation of ANC, inadequate counselling (45% never received counselling), and inconsistent supply of iron supplements (55% did not receive supplements at the facility). Although 85% reported that health workers recommended iron supplements, only 45% consistently received them.

 Conclusion.

Iron supplement uptake among pregnant women at Ndejje Health Centre IV was low and influenced by inadequate knowledge, side effects, poor family support, limited counselling, distance to the facility, and inconsistent availability of supplements.

 Recommendations.

Strengthening health education and counselling, ensuring a consistent supply of iron supplements, promoting early ANC attendance, and involving family members, especially spouses, in maternal health education are recommended to improve iron supplement uptake.