Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices on Iron-Folate Supplements use Among Pregnant and Lactating Women Living with Human-Immunodeficiency Virus in Dar- Es-Salaam

Mshanga, Cecilia N (2020) Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices on Iron-Folate Supplements use Among Pregnant and Lactating Women Living with Human-Immunodeficiency Virus in Dar- Es-Salaam. Masters thesis, The Open University of Tanzania.

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Abstract

Iron and folic acid deficiency during pregnancy are risk factors for anaemia, preterm delivery and low birth weight, and may contribute to poor neonatal health and increased maternal mortality. This study aimed at assessing knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding the use of iron and folic acid supplements among pregnant and lactating women taking ant-retroviral drugs in Dar es Salaam. A cross sectional survey involved 294 pregnant and lactating women in Temeke, Mwananyamala and Amana referral Hospitals in Dar es Salaam between May and July 2018. Data was analyzed using IBM SPSS. The findings revealed that, most of the study subjects were aware of both the benefits of iron and folic acid supplements and the consequences of iron and folic acid in case of any deficiency. Attitude towards use of iron and folic acid supplements among study subjects was also good. Closer to two thirds (60.2%) of the subjects perceived that one is likely to have some micronutrient deficiency when not taking iron and folic acid supplements. Practice on the use of iron and folic acid supplements among study subjects was not satisfactory as only a small portion of the study subjects took these supplementation during pregnant and lactation. The findings revealed that the level of knowledge regarding iron and folic acid supplements use among pregnant and lactating women living with HIV is good. Attitudes towards use of iron and supplements were also good. But the use of iron and folic acid supplements in the study group is low. Community awareness campaigns on the use of iron and folic acid supplements while taking Ant-retroviral drugs is recommended.

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