Adherence and barriers of prophylactic iron and folic acid supplementation in children: a community-based mixed method study

Background: Anemia is a public health challenge in India among children, adolescents and reproductive age women. Still, 58% of under-five children 43% Puducherry are anaemic. To determine the proportion mothers one-to-nine-year aware about iron folic acid (IFA) supplementation, adherent to dosage IFA barriers for adherence IFA. Methods: A community-based explanatory sequential mixed methods study consisting survey using semi-structured questionnaire followed by focus group discussions (FGD) an interview guide. The data was collected EpiCollect5 analysed SPSS. results were expressed as proportions with 95% confidence interval (CI) qualitative conceptual framework. Results: Awareness supplementation given from system 57% (95% CI: 51.8-62.0) children. Adherence 34% (28.9.0-38.6). main reason non-adherence reported non-availability supplements, nausea vomiting forgetfulness mother. In FGD, supply side reasons non-palatability wrong dose administration, demand lack awareness coverage. Conclusions: Only one out ten under five years taking syrup only half ages five-to-nine-years consumed tablets their schools. Irregular distribution tablets, medication side-effects, quoted mother non-adherence.