title: Effect of knowledge and perception on adherence to iron and folate supplementation during pregnancy in Kathmandu, Nepal.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Adherence to iron and folate supplementation during pregnancy is considered key to prevention and control of iron deficiency anemia. Nepal-like other developing countries-faces problems with adherence vis-a-vis iron/folate supplementation.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  This descriptive survey aimed to assess the effect ofknowledge and perception ofpregnant women on adherence to iron/folate supplementation in Kathmandu, Nepal.
  
  
  METHODS
  The present study was conducted in Paropakar Maternity and Womens' Hospital in Kathmandu. Systematic random sampling was used to select 406 persons who were either given a self-administered questionnaire or interviewed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  73.2% of the respondents showed good adherence. Bivariate analysis revealed significant associations between adherence and both knowledge and perception (p<0.05), but through multiple linear regression analysis only perception was found to be statistically associated with adherence (p<0.05). Further multivariate analysis demonstrated that the most important predictors of adherence were: perception of side effects, availability, forgetfulness and reminders from family.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Adherence to iron/folate supplementation among women during pregnancy needs continuous improvement by minimizing the perception of constraints (viz., side-effects and forgetfulness) and, enhancing availability andfamily support.
authors: Sarju Rai
authors: SR
authors: Sing
authors: Thawalwong
authors: T
authors: Ratanasiri
authors: Panna
authors: P
authors: Thapa
authors: Rajendra
authors: R
authors: Koju
authors: Amornrat
authors: A
authors: Ratanasiri
authors: Tarinee
authors: T
authors: Arkaravichien
authors: Wiwat
authors: W
authors: Arkaravichien
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D018798:Anemia, Iron-Deficiency / Q000517:prevention & control*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D005492:Folic Acid / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007501:Iron / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D055118:Medication Adherence / Q000523:psychology*; D009390:Nepal; D011247:Pregnancy; D011250:Pregnancy Complications, Hematologic / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D005492:Folic Acid; D007501:Iron