Adherence to Iron and Folic Acid Supplementation Among Pregnant Women in Selected Municipalities in Mindoro, Philippines Using the Health Belief Model

Marjory Ann A Rey; Noeme S Necesario; Charmie A Cacho; Joanne Mae S Aglipay; Maidy Lucido; Roxanne M Garachico; Daisy C Divino; Artemio M Gonzales Jr.

doi:10.25159/2520-5293/19254

Authors

Marjory Ann A Rey Occidental Mindoro State College
Noeme S Necesario Occidental Mindoro State College
Charmie A Cacho Occidental Mindoro State College
Joanne Mae S Aglipay Mindoro State College
Maidy Lucido Occidental Mindoro State College
Roxanne M Garachico Occidental Mindoro State College
Daisy C Divino Occidental Mindoro State College
Artemio M Gonzales Jr. Occidental Mindoro State College

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.25159/2520-5293/19254

Keywords:

adherence, iron-folic acid supplementation, health belief model, anaemia

Abstract

Iron and folic acid supplementation (IFAS) during pregnancy helps mitigate the risks associated with maternal anaemia and folate deficiency. However, knowledge about anaemia varies, including IFAS benefits, and its possible side effects. This study primarily aimed to examine the factors influencing pregnant mothers' adherence to IFA supplementation through the lens of the Health Belief Model (HBM). A cross-sectional study was conducted in two municipalities of Mindoro, the study surveyed 286 pregnant women receiving antenatal care from November 2023 to March 2024. A structured questionnaire assessed demographic characteristics, perceived susceptibility, severity, benefits, barriers, cues to action, and self-efficacy. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse demographic characteristics and adherence levels, while binary logistic regression assessed the associations between HBM constructs and adherence.
The results show that most of the pregnant women who responded in the study are adherent (n=186, 65%) to IFA supplementation. Furthermore, high perceived severity (OR = 5.53, 95% CI: 3.08–9.94) and high self-efficacy (OR = 20.11, 95% CI: 8.83–45.76) were the strongest predictors of adherence. High perceived susceptibility (OR = 2.69, 95% CI: 1.62–4.47), benefits (OR = 5.05, 95% CI: 2.99–8.53), and cues to action (OR = 5.33, 95% CI: 3.03–9.35) were also significant.
Findings underscore the importance of improving awareness regarding anaemia severity and enhancing self-efficacy to promote adherence. Health programmes must focus on targeted counselling during antenatal visits to increase adherence to iron and folic acid supplementation.

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