Journal de recherche et de développement en éducation à la santé

Maternal Iron Folate Supplement Delivery during Pregnancy in a Developing Country: Scoping Review

Abstract

Kebreab Paulos, Dereje Haile, Adisu Yeshambel, Tigst Bekele

Background: It has been notified that ordinary consumption of dietary supplements containing iron or a combination of iron and folic acid for the duration of being pregnant improves maternal health and being pregnant results. Iron deficiency is the prevalent usual nutrient deficiency and the most common reason of anemia global. Because of the elevated iron necessities for the duration of being pregnant, iron deficiency can cause maternal anemia and decreased new child iron stores. Methods: Scoping assessment of maternal complement applications distribution strategies in low-earnings country such as Bangladesh, Ethiopia, India, Kenya, and Nepal are examined. A systematic search became executed in six databases; CINAHL (Cumulative Index to Nursing & Allied Health), MEDLINE, Web of Science, PubMed, and Scopus, and FSTA (Food Science and Technology) Results: A systematic search performed in six databases yielded a total of 526 un-duplicated results; (CINAHL: 42, Medline: 112, Web of Science: 77, PubMed: 90, Scopus: 179, FSTA: 10, and additional records: 16). Results after duplicates were removed (n=318), these results were screened, and relevant studies based on the research question identified and selected (n=10). The 10 full-text articles were assessed for eligibility and 5 of these studies were excluded for not meeting the scoping review criteria. Data was extracted and charted from the five remaining studies. The findings were collated and summarized. two modes of delivery were identified: 1. CommunityBased Distribution for Routine Iron/Folic Acid Supplementation in Pregnancy; and 2. pregnant women who received iron folate supplements from health centers/local centers; Conclusions: Barriers in delivering maternal supplements included lack of trained professional volunteers, limited support and guidance provided to volunteers, and a high cost of equipment, supplies, and buildings. Pregnant women in developing countries faced many obstacles in accessing maternal supplement programs including poverty, rural isolation, limited transportation, low social status, traditional, cultural, and religious practices. Strategies required to improve program delivery involved an earlier invitation to prenatal supplements, increase in partnerships, a focus on adolescent girls’ health, increase in training and incentives for volunteers, and self-help groups focused on prenatal education and counseling services.