Abstract:

Background: Haematinics, including iron, folic acid, and vitamin B12, are crucial for increasing red blood cell and hemoglobin counts. Iron deficiency, the primary cause of anaemia during pregnancy, often leads to decreased serum erythropoietin levels. Folic acid helps prevent birth defects such as spina bifida and anencephaly, though its exact mechanism is unclear. Supplementation with haematinics is essential for maternal and fetal health, as it improves haemoglobin levels and reduces complications. Non-compliance with these supplements is a major issue, leading to anaemia and associated complications. This study aims to investigate the prevalence and factors influencing adherence to routine antenatal haematinic use among pregnant women at Bugando Medical Centre (BMC).

Objective: To assess the prevalence and factors associated with compliance to routine ante-natal haematinics among pregnant women attending BMC.

Method: A cross-sectional study design will be conducted at BMC. A sample size of women who have delivered who will fulfill the inclusion criteria will be included in this study. The data will be entered into Epi- data version 7.2.2.6, cleaned, and exported to SPSS version 24 for analysis. Variable having a p-value<0.25 was a candidate for multi variable analysis. Then multi variable analysis will be performed to determine the associated of independent factors of the dependent variable. Statistical significance will be considered at p-values<0.05 and Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) at 95% confidence interval (95% CI).

Implication of the study: The findings of this study will help health care providers plan for proper way to enhance use of hemantenis among pregnant women.