Knowledge, attitude and dietary compliance towards iron tablets consumption among pregnant women in Selangor

Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) during pregnancy is a widespread global health concern with the potential for severe adverse effects on both maternal and fetal health. It is well-documented that iron is an essential nutrient during pregnancy, as it plays a crucial role in preventing anemia, supporting fetal growth and development, and reducing the risk of preterm births and low birth weights. In the context of Malaysia, prioritizing the health of pregnant women and their babies is important. Therefore, it is important to understand the knowledge, attitude and compliance of pregnant mothers towards taking iron tablets. Therefore, the aim of this study is to comprehensively evaluate the knowledge, attitude, and dietary compliance towards iron tablet supplementation among pregnant women in Malaysia, with a particular focus on understanding how sociodemographic factors may influence dietary compliance. This cross-sectional study focused on pregnant women aged between 18-49 in different stages of pregnancy and various socio-demographic backgrounds. Data is collected through self-administered questionnaires with sections including sociodemographic, knowledge about iron deficiency, their attitudes towards iron tablet usage, and their dietary compliance with iron tablets supplementation (MyMAAT). A total of 200 pregnant women were recruited in this study. About 50.5% of pregnant women have high knowledge and a high attitude, and others 49.5% of them have low knowledge and low attitude towards iron tablet supplementation. In addition, about 27.5% of pregnant women have good compliance towards iron tablets and another 72.5% are categorized as poor and moderate compliance. Ethnicity and the presence of IDA were significantly associated with knowledge levels, while no socio-demographic factors were significantly associated with attitudes or compliance towards iron supplementation. In addition, attitude was the only factor significantly associated with compliance towards iron tablets. Pregnant women with high attitudes were 2.523 times more likely to be compliant with iron tablet supplementation. Identifying pregnant women who have good knowledge, attitude and compliance towards iron tablets is crucial to prevent iron deficiency anemia. Understanding the knowledge, attitudes, and dietary compliance towards iron tablet supplementation among pregnant women can help in developing targeted interventions to improve iron status and overall maternal health during pregnancy.