Commitment for anaemia prevention is associated with adherence to iron supplementation and iron intake among pregnant women

Anaemia during pregnancy is still a major problem in the world which can affect the health of the mother and foetus. The commitment of pregnant women to improve adherence to iron supplementation and eating iron-rich foods can prevent iron deficiency anaemia.This study aimed to identify the correlation between of commitment for anaemia prevention with adherence to iron supplementation and iron intake. Design: The study was a cross-sectional study with a population sample of 125 pregnant women who attended antenatal care at five community health centres in Surabaya. The study was conducted from August to October 2017.The statistical test results showed the commitment statements, “I maintain personal hygiene by frequently washing hands”had the highest score (4.38 ± 0.67) and " Itake iron supplements regularly even if it causes nausea” had the lowest score (4.05 ± 0.84). Of the four statements about adherence to iron supplementation, “I take iron supplements regularly every day” had the highest score (4.35 ± 0.86) while ‘I take iron supplements along with orange juice or vitamin C drinks’ had the lowest score of 1.52 ± 0.87. There was a significant association between commitment for anaemia prevention and adherence to iron supplementation during pregnancy (r = 0.227; p = 0.011) and between commitment for anaemia prevention and iron intake (r = 0.432; p <0.001). Health workers need to conduct health education about the prevention of anaemia in every pregnant woman who attends antenatal care.