Publications

This cross-sectional study aimed to identify and analyze the determinants affecting theutilization of Iron/Folic Acid Supplements (IFAS) among women attending antenatal care(ANC) at Hoima Regional Referral Hospital (HRRH) in Hoima City, Western Uganda. Conductedfrom February to March 2021, this regional hospital-based study employed conveniencesampling to recruit 345 pregnant women receiving ANC services at HRRH. Questionnairetools were utilized for data collection, ensuring accuracy and completeness. Data underwentcoding and entry into Epi Info version 7, subsequently analyzed using SPSS version 22.0.Descriptive statistics summarized the variables, while frequencies and percentages werepresented through figures and tables. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyseswere performed to ascertain factors associated with IFAS utilization. The Hosmer-Lemeshowtest assessed the goodness-of-fit of the final logistic regression model. Findings revealedthat 42.1% of pregnant women attending ANC at HRRH utilized IFAS. The majority (82.03%)attended less than four ANC visits, with 43.19% reporting anemia during their currentpregnancy. Moreover, 84.93% resided more than 30 minutes away from the hospital.Significant determinants influencing IFAS utilization included knowledge about its benefits,history of abortion, awareness about anemia, receiving health education on IFAS during ANCvisits, and encountering no problems at the health facility (p < 0.05). The study highlights alow level of IFAS utilization among ANC attendees at HRRH. Factors such as awareness ofIFAS benefits, history of abortion, knowledge about anemia, receiving education during ANCvisits, and encountering no facility-related issues significantly influenced the uptake. Effortsto enhance education and address logistical barriers could improve IFAS utilization amongpregnant women attending ANC at HRRH.Keywords: Iron, folic acid, anemia, Pregnant women, Antenatal care.