(P18-041-23) Prevalence of Oral Iron-Folic Acid Supplementation and Dietary Intakes Among Pregnant Women at Peri-Urban Areas of Dodoma City, Tanzania

Objectives: To assess the prevalence of oral iron-folic acid supplementation and dietary intakes among pregnant women at peri-urban areas of Dodoma City, Tanzania.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at four peri-urban wards. Data were collected from RCH card number 4 and face to face interviews. Routine iron-folic acid supplementation uptake was defined as, pregnant woman who reported to take iron-folic acid supplementation during the past seven days prior to data collection. Dietary intakes were collected through 24 hours dietary recall. Analysis of data was done through frequency and percentage, chi-square test and logistic regression.

Results: Prevalence of routine iron-folic acid supplementation uptake was 35.6%. Associates of IFA supplementation uptake were; Frequency of ANC visits (AOR = 1.69) and tested for haemoglobin during the current pregnancy (AOR = 3.02). The mean food groups consumed were 2.85±0.97. Food groups less consumed were eggs (2.8%), dairy products (7.1), vitamin A rich fruits and vegetables (26.8%) and meat, poultry and fish (38.0%).

Conclusions: The community uptake of interventions to reduce the burden is still very minimal Emphasis on proper ANC attendance and routine Hb screening during pregnancy and strategic interventions to improve dietary intakes may help to a improve the current situation.

Funding Sources: The University of Dodoma