Community approval required for periconceptional adolescent adherence to weekly iron and/or folic acid supplementation: a qualitative study in rural Burkina Faso.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Iron deficiency remains a prevalent adolescent health problem in low income countries. Iron supplementation is recommended but improvement of iron status requires good adherence.

Objectives

We explored factors affecting adolescent adherence to weekly iron and/or folic acid supplements in a setting of low secondary school attendance.

Methods

Taped in-depth interviews were conducted with participants in a randomised, controlled, periconceptional iron supplementation trial for young nulliparous women living in a rural, malaria endemic region of Burkina Faso. Participants with good, medium or poor adherence were selected. Interviews were transcribed and analysed thematically.

Results

Thirty-nine interviews were conducted. The community initially thought

SUBMITTER: Compaore A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5852966 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature