TO STUDY COMPLIANCE OF ANTENATAL WOMEN IN RELATION TO IRON SUPPLEMENTATION IN ROUTINE ANTE-NATAL CLINIC AT A TERTIARY HEALTH CARE CENTRE

Background : The purpose of this study was to determine the compliance of the pregnant women and factors related to iron tablet consumption behavior among pregnant women. Response to  iron deficiency anemia is related to the dose and schedule of a iron tablets and diet. Noncompliance reduces treatment benefits and is associated with poorer prognosis. Methods: A detailed questionnaire designed to assess the antenatal women compliance. Eight hundred  and sixty women of 16-30wks pregancy who received iron tablets daily for 90 consecutive days in Rohtak city of Haryana state. Results: The results showed that compliance among pregnant women, regarding iron supplementation, was observed by 80.47% women, non compliance was observed by 14.42 % while over compliance was observed only by 5.11% women. Compliance was better observed in educated patients as compared to uneducated i.e.62.14% versus 37.86%. The reasons for non compliance were side effects 29.03% , suffering from pregnancy complications and taking multiple drug supplements 22.58% , long term taking of iron tablets 19.35%, not liking pharmaceutical preparations 16.94%, forgetfullness 9.68% and not liking due to poor quality of iron tablet supplied by government were 2.42%. Almost all the women believed that the doctor, pharmacist and nurse explained the instructions for intake of iron tablets and diet  to them and they followed those instructions. Conclusion: This study shows that  compliance is related to education of the pregnant women and proper explanation of instructions by doctor, pharmacist and nurses, help to improve the compliance but much can be done to improve existing iron supplementation programs in developing countries by ensuring that iron tablets of good quality are available at all levels of health care. Key Words: Compliance, Pregnant Women, Iron Deficiency Anemia