Perception and understanding of Pregnant Women towards the use of Folic Acid Supplement׃ the Case Study of Temeke District

Mgonja, Neema G. (2014) Perception and understanding of Pregnant Women towards the use of Folic Acid Supplement׃ the Case Study of Temeke District. Masters thesis, The Open University of Tanzania.

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Abstract

This study investigated the perception and understanding of pregnant women towards the use of folic acid supplement. The study was conducted at Temeke District in Dar es Salaam region. Data were collected using Focused Group Discussion as well as In-depth interview. The study reveals that most of women were aware of the FeFo supplement given to women before, during and after pregnancy. The finding also shows that most women are aware of the anemia as one of the dangerous diseases which can cause death of both a mother and unborn child. Findings suggest that the supplements available and accessible to all women are free of charge. Findings also reveal that health providers are all aware of dosage the pregnant women required before, during and after giving birth. Moreover finding signifies that there is still very low level of understanding among the women concern the use of these supplement especially on the positive and negative effect if they are taken or ignored respectively. The study reveals that some women drop or ignore using the medication deliberately simply because they have bad smell or make them uncomfortable. The findings on the side of health providers showed that 30.0% of the pregnant women prescribed with supplement do not finish the dose; they assert that it brings nauseas and affect their digestive system. The findings also signifies that regardless of the education provided to people especially Pregnant women yet it’s upon the understanding of women to determine their fate as you cannot force them. The study reveals that there are women deliberately decide not to take the supplement and therefore the problem remained unsolved. The study concludes that regardless of the education provided to people especially pregnant women, yet it’s upon the understanding of women to determine their fate as you cannot force them.

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