Low compliance with an iron-supplementation program: a study among pregnant women in Jakarta, Indonesia.
The efficiency of an established iron-supplementation program for pregnant women in Jakarta, Indonesia was investigated. Hemoglobin, serum ferritin, and packed cell volume (PCV) were measured at the start of the study and after 2 mo supplementation with 300 mg ferrous sulphate/d. The women (n = 45) were questioned about compliance and stool samples were checked for iron content to control for tablet intake. Twelve women dropped out. Prevalence of anemia (42%) did not decrease during the study period. Of the remaining 33 women, 64% (n = 21) claimed to have taken all iron tablets. This was only confirmed by positive stool tests in 12 women. Serum ferritin and PCV increased in women with positive stool tests (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01, respectively) after supplementation. It is concluded that compliance was low and that the iron dose needs to be increased. Supplementation programs need reliable monitoring and evaluation systems.
Schultink
W
W
South East Asian Ministries of Education Organization-Tropical Medicine (SEAMEO-TROPMED) Center, Jakarta, Indonesia.
van der Ree
M
M
Matulessi
P
P
Gross
R
R
D000328:Adult; D000747:Anemia, Hypochromic / Q000097:blood / Q000517:prevention & control*; D016903:Drug Monitoring; D004909:Erythrocyte Indices; D005243:Feces / Q000737:chemistry; D005260:Female; D005293:Ferritins / Q000097:blood; D006454:Hemoglobins / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D007214:Indonesia; D007501:Iron / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000032:analysis / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010349:Patient Compliance; D011247:Pregnancy; D011250:Pregnancy Complications, Hematologic / Q000097:blood / Q000517:prevention & control*
D006454:Hemoglobins; D005293:Ferritins; D007501:Iron