Factors Influencing Uptake of Iron Supplementation for 90+days During Pregnancy in Zambia

Abstract

Introduction: The uptake of iron supplements during pregnancy is a critical aspect of maternal health, particularly in regions where anemia and iron deficiency are prevalent. The study aimed to assess the factors influencing uptake of iron supplementation for 90 or more days among pregnant women in Zambia.

Methods: This research employed a cross-sectional design using data from the 2018 Zambia Demographic and Health Survey (ZDHS) individual (woman) record file. The inclusion criteria considered women 15-49 years who had a child in the five years preceding the survey. The dependent variable was iron supplementation for 90 or more days during the most recent pregnancy.

Results: The study found that education was a critical factor in improving adherence to iron supplementation, results revealed that women with higher education had the highest uptake of iron supplementation for 90 or more days (62.1%), while those with no formal education had the lowest (45.8%). The association between There were significant provincial variations in iron supplementation uptake (p < 0.001).

Conclusion: The findings of this study highlighted the importance of education in improving iron supplementation uptake among pregnant women in Zambia. The results can inform evidence-based interventions to improve maternal and child health outcomes. Policymakers and healthcare providers should prioritize education as a key factor in improving iron supplementation uptake.