Social factors influencing the utilization of folic acid by pregnant mothers attending antenatal care at Apac General Hospital, Apac district. A cross-sectional study.
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.70572/agp.v3i5.130Keywords:
Folic acid utilization, pregnant mothers, social factors, medication fatigue, forgetfulness, health education, anemia awareness, Apac General HospitalAbstract
Abstract
Background:
This study assessed the social factors influencing the utilization of folic acid among pregnant mothers attending antenatal care at Apac General Hospital, Apac District.
Methodology:
A hospital-based cross-sectional descriptive study employing quantitative methods was conducted among 32 pregnant mothers attending antenatal care at Apac General Hospital. Participants were selected using simple random sampling. Data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire, pre-tested for validity and reliability. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 27 and presented in tables, graphs, and percentages.
Results:
The majority of respondents were self-employed (62.5%) and had 3–4 children (43.7%). All respondents (100%) had ever heard about iron and folic acid supplements, with 56.3% obtaining information from health workers. However, only 62.5% were aware of the benefits of the supplements. All respondents (100%) acknowledged that anemia is dangerous, mainly due to risks of maternal and fetal death (62.5%). Despite this awareness, all respondents (100%) had ever failed to adhere to folic acid supplementation. The main reasons for non-adherence included unavailability of supplements (28.3%), forgetfulness (21.8%), and medication fatigue (21.8%). Additionally, 59% reported experiencing medication fatigue, while 59% indicated that the low social status of the family influenced utilization.
Conclusion:
Social factors such as medication fatigue, forgetfulness, low social status, and inadequate, inconsistent adherence significantly influence the utilization of folic acid among pregnant mothers, despite high awareness levels.
Recommendation:
Health workers should strengthen continuous health education and introduce reminder systems to reduce forgetfulness.
References
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Copyright (c) 2026 Harriet Akello, Ronald Awoi , Denis Obong, Tonny Mike Omara, Lamex Ogwal
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