Term of Award
Spring 2018
Degree Name
Doctor of Public Health in Community Health Behavior and Education (Dr.P.H.)
Document Type and Release Option
Dissertation (open access)
Copyright Statement / License for Reuse
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Department
Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health
Committee Chair
Andrew Hansen
Committee Member 1
Ashley Walker
Committee Member 2
Haresh D. Rochani
Abstract
Introduction: Iron-folic acid supplementation is one of the key interventions provided during antenatal care (ANC) services to reduce iron deficiency, maternal anemia, low birthweight and other pregnancy-related complications responsible for maternal and neonatal mortality. However, use of iron-folic acid supplements and adherence with recommended dosage in Nigeria is low. The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to examine factors associated with iron-folic acid supplements use among pregnant women in Karu local government area (LGA), Nasarawa, Nigeria. Methods: Questionnaires were administered in face-to-face interviews with 64 pregnant women (18 – 49 years old) and 19 healthcare providers in selected public primary health facilities across Karu LGA, Nasarawa State. Using the theory of planned behavior, pregnant women’s intention to use iron-folic acid supplements during pregnancy was predicted. In addition, factors associated with duration of use were also examined. Data was analyzed using STATA 15.0. Results: Subjective norm (p = 0.02) and perceived behavioral control (p = 0.04) significantly predicted the intention to use iron-folic acid supplements during pregnancy. However, attitude did not have a predictive influence on intention. A one unit increase in the number of antenatal care visits made, significantly increased the likelihood of taking iron-folic acid supplement for three months or more (p=0.000). Discussion: Perceived behavioral control was the strongest predictor of intention to use iron-folic acid supplements followed by subjective norm. Antenatal care attendance are very critical to the use of iron-folic acid supplements and should be promoted.
OCLC Number
1182804614
Recommended Citation
Akomolafe, T. O. (2018). Factors Associated with Iron-Folic Acid Supplement Use among Pregnant Women in Karu, Nasarawa State, Nigeria - A Cross Sectional Study using Theory of Planned Behavior. (Doctoral dissertation).
Research Data and Supplementary Material
No
Included in
Community Health and Preventive Medicine Commons, International Public Health Commons, Maternal and Child Health Commons
