Maternal Knowledge on Recommended Iron and Folic Acid Supplementation in Pregnancy: A Hospital-based Cross-Sectional Study in Sri Lanka

Background: Anemia during pregnancy is a significant public health concern. Sri Lankan maternal healthcare system adopted free provision of iron and folic acid supplementation to all its pregnant women since several decades, mitigate the high prevalence anemia. Despite dedicated national services, anemia remains at moderate level significance for many years. Objective: This study assessed knowledge in (and associated factors), content counselling on received by pregnancy. Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional enrolled 703 0–4 days postpartum. pretested interviewer-administered questionnaire was used collect data socio-demographic characteristics, use supplementation, obstetrics. self-administered assess with close-ended questions. Results: Of women, 69.7% scored 9, i.e., maximum score. Maternal ethnicity, education level, monthly family income were significantly supplementation. However, majority did not receive information side effects ways minimize them antenatal sessions. Conclusion: Antenatal should be improved, considered when providing counselling. It recommended standardized sessions community clinics Lanka, where must emphasize prevention compliance