Prevalence of iron supplementation among pregnant woman in Taif, Saudi Arabia: a cross sectional study

Background: Deficiencies in iron during pregnancy may negatively impact the health of the mother, the pregnancy, as well as fetal development. Aim: Several studies evidenced that there is poor compliance with prenatal iron supplements during the antenatal period. More studies are needed to assess the prevalence, compliance and influencing factors of iron supplement among pregnant women. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out to assess the iron supplementation practice and influencing factors among pregnant woman in different hospitals of Taif city, Saudi Arabia. Results: The prevalence of iron supplements use during pregnancy among the study participants was 99.6%. There was no significant association between the age, weight and number of pregnancies (p value >0.05). There was significant association in status of previous pregnancy (p value = 0.014). Women with healthy previous pregnancies appeared to consume iron supplement more than women with problems in their previous pregnancies. Pregnant women aged between 30-44 years were more likely to be adherent to iron supplement (30%). Mothers who had University education were more likely to be adherent to iron supplement than others (35%). Conclusion: There is a need to encourage pregnant women to visit early for antenatal care. Iron and folic acid supplements, dietary intake preferences, diagnosis and continuous follow up of pregnant women are approaches to reduce anemia during pregnancy in Taif region. The purpose of this study was to enhance the public awareness about iron supplements during pregnancy.