Effect of Health Education on the Knowledge of Pregnant Women on Iron and Folic Acid Supplements: A Stepped Wedge Cluster Randomized Trial
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Date
2024-04
Authors
Njiru, Haron
Gitah, Mary W.
Njogu, Eunice
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Epidemiology & Public Health
Abstract
Iron deficiency poses a significant public health challenge
during pregnancy. However, optimal uptake of antenatal
micronutrients is hampered by lack of knowledge. We investigated the effect of health education on knowledge of
women regarding antenatal Iron and Folic Acid Supplements
(IFAS). In a 9-month trial, antenatal care clinics received a
maternal IFAS awareness package, which included education
for both health workers and pregnant women and health
Information Education and Communication (IEC) materials.
The study found that IFAS knowledge improved from 44.8%
to 81.1%, a 36-percentage point increase. To enhance IFAS
knowledge, hence uptake, the study recommends targeted
health education emphasizing IFAS benefits, management of
IFAS side effects, along with providing standardized information materials to the clinics.
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Citation
Njiru, H., Gitahi, M. W., & Njogu, E. Effect of Health Education on the Knowledge of Pregnant Women on Iron and Folic Acid Supplements: A Stepped Wedge Cluster Randomized Trial. Health education, 12, 24-27.