Assessment of Iron–Folate Adherence and Associated Factors Among Pregnant Women in Public Health Facilities of Durame Town, Southern Ethiopia

INTRODUCTION: Iron deficiency anemia during pregnancy is a significant public health problem in low- and middle-income countries. The World Health Organization recommended a daily oral dose of iron and folic acid supplements throughout pregnancy. Poor adherence to iron and folic acid supplementation arises in pregnant women associated with serious adverse health outcomes. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess iron–folate adherence and associated factors among pregnant women in public health facilities of Durame town, Southern Ethiopia, in 2022. METHODS: An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted from March 1–30, 2022. A structured interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to interview a total sample size of 317 participants. Logistic regression analysis was computed, and variables with a p-value of less than 0.25 in the bivariate logistic regression analysis were selected for multivariable logistic regression analysis. Finally, significance was declared at p < .05 with 95%CI. RESULTS: The findings of this study showed that adherence to iron–folate among pregnant women was 180 (60%) (95%CI: 54–65.7). The odds of iron–folate adherence among women who had not had anemia in their current pregnancy were 63% (AOR = 0.37, 95%CI: 0.14–0.99) less likely to have adherence, and the odds of iron–folate adherence among women who had not heard about the disease anemia were 58% (AOR = 0.42, 95%CI: 0.22–0.81) less likely to have adherence. CONCLUSION: Iron–folate adherence in Durame public health facilities was better compared to other studies even if it was not high enough to prevent anemia and folate deficiency. Women who had not had anemia in their current pregnancy and women who had not heard about the disease anemia were significantly associated with adherence to iron–folate. Thus, healthcare providers should provide health education on the enhancement of adherence to iron–folate utilization and the means how to prevent iron–folate deficiency during their clients’ pregnancy.