Adherence to Iron and Folic Acid Supplementation (IFAS) intake among pregnant women: A systematic review meta-analysis

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#cross-sectional-studies #dietary-supplements #female #folic-acid #humans

Adherence to Iron and Folic Acid Supplementation (IFAS) intake among pregnant women: A systematic review meta-analysis

Saragih et al., 2022 | Midwifery | Meta Analysis

Citation

Saragih Ita Daryanti, Dimog Eva Felipe, ... Lin Chia-Ju. Adherence to Iron and Folic Acid Supplementation (IFAS) intake among pregnant women: A systematic review meta-analysis. Midwifery. 2022-Jan;104:103185. doi:10.1016/j.midw.2021.103185

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Adherence to iron and folic acid supplementation represents a significant factor contributing to the prevention and treatment of anaemia in pregnancy. However, limited studies have systematically investigated iron and folic acid supplementation adherence among pregnant mothers using a global perspective. We aimed to systematically identify iron and folic acid supplementation adherence and associated factors among pregnant women. DESIGN: For this systematic review and meta-analysis, we did a systematic search of Academic Search Complete, CINAHL, MEDLINE, PubMed, and Web of Science from inception to October 20, 2020. We included all cohort, case-control, and cross-sectional studies and used the Joanna Briggs Institute tool to assess study quality. A meta-analysis was performed to synthesise the pooled odds ratio for iron and folic acid supplementation adherence using a random-effects model. Heterogeneity was measured using the I2 statistic, and Egger's test was used to assess publication bias. MEASUREMENTS AND FINDINGS: Eighteen studies were included in systematic review and meta-analysis, including a total of 5,537 pregnant women. The pooled odds ratio for iron and folic acid supplementation adherence in primipara vs multipara, anaemia vs non-anaemia, knowledgeable vs limited knowledge of anaemia, and knowledgeable vs limited knowledge of iron and folic acid supplementation were 3.91 (95% confidence interval: 1.75-8.75), 1.09 (95% confidence interval: 0.67-1.77), 0.32 (95% confidence interval: 0.15-0.69), and 2.48 (95% confidence interval: 1.13-5.47), respectively. KEY CONCLUSIONS: This review yielded evidence that having one pregnancy, having anaemia, and having satisfactory knowledge of both anaemia and iron and folic acid supplementation were positively associated with iron and folic acid supplementation adherence.

Key Findings

Eighteen studies were included in systematic review and meta-analysis, including a total of 5,537 pregnant women. The pooled odds ratio for iron and folic acid supplementation adherence in primipara vs multipara, anaemia vs non-anaemia, knowledgeable vs limited knowledge of anaemia, and knowledgeable vs limited knowledge of iron and folic acid supplementation were 3.91 (95% confidence interval: 1.75-8.75), 1.09 (95% confidence interval: 0.67-1.77), 0.32 (95% confidence interval: 0.15-0.69), and

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population pregnant mothers
Sample Size See abstract
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Female
  • Folic Acid
  • Humans
  • Iron
  • Parity
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnant People

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Meta Analysis
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Meta-Analysis, Systematic Review
  • Vertical: folate

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09