Routine haematinics and multivitamins: Adherence and its association with haemoglobin level among pregnant women in an urban lower-middle-income country, Ghana

Abstract

In low- and middle-income countries, medications are routinely prescribed for maternal and foetal well-being. The objective of this study was to assess the adherence with routine haematinics and multivitamins among pregnant women in a lower-middle-income country, Ghana. A questionnaire was used to collect data from 350 pregnant women utilizing the antenatal clinic of the Tamale Teaching Hospital. Adherence was about 63% for folic acid, 63% for ferrous sulphate and 58% for multivitamins. For folic acid, younger age, secondary and tertiary education had about 31%, 46% and 41%, respectively, less likelihood of non-adherence. Second trimester of pregnancy was associated with two times more likelihood of adherence with folic acid. For ferrous sulphate, younger age had about 30% less likelihood of non-adherence, and second trimester linked to twice more likelihood of adherence. Secondary education had about 40% less likelihood of non-adherence with multivitamins. More of those who adhered with folic acid (89%), ferrous sulphate (89%) and multivitamins (91%) had their haemoglobin level increased. Adherence with routine haematinics was adequate; age, education and trimester of pregnancy predicted folic acid and ferrous sulphate adherence. Education predicted adherence with multivitamins. Adherence was associated with change in level of haemoglobin during antenatal visits.