A MULTIVARIATE AND COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF DETERMINANTS AND RISK FACTORS INFLUENCING IRON AND CALCIUM SUPPLEMENTATION PRACTICES AMONG PREGNANT WOMEN IN LAYYAH DISTRICT, PAKISTAN
Keywords:
Maternal nutrition, pregnancy, Layyah district, descriptive study, questionnaire.Abstract
Background: The nutritional status of mothers has the greatest influence on fetal health and well-being to reduce morbidity. Anaemia is prevented by micronutrients such as iron, calcium and other micronourishment help in fetal growth and also reduce hypertension complication. Though global guidelines have been laid, deficiencies are still very common in underdeveloped economies such as Pakistan. Poor health literacy, socio-economic constraints in rural areas such as Layyah, and less frequent ANC utilization and uptake are the barriers to supplementation.
Objectives: To identify the knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) about iron and calcium supplementation among pregnant women and to evaluate socio-cultural, economic and health system factors influencing adherence in Layyah district, Punjab, Pakistan.
Methodology: quantitative, cross sectional descriptive study in selected rural/urban union councils of Layyah shall be conducted. This will involve collecting data from about 300 pregnant women attending BHUs, Rural Health Centers, District Headquarters Hospital through multistage sampling. Data will be gathered through face-to-face interviews by using a pre-tested questionnaire, which will cover socio-demographics, KAP, adherence and counselling experiences. Data will be analyzed using SPSS by descriptive and inferential statistics.
Results: Micronutrient consumption by pregnant women is less than 31.3%, indicating a serious public health problem. Maternal literacy and frequent attendance to ANC visits are key facilitators and stockout of supplements and gastrointestinal intolerance are key barriers.
Conclusion: The summary of findings will lead to evidence-based suggestions and recommendations to be taken into account to improve maternal nutrition interventions, optimize supply chains, enhance family-led counselling and strengthen the role of grassroots community efforts in Layyah district.
