biostudies-literatureKebaabetswe PNICHD NIH HHSNIAID NIH HHS3369https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC11616331biostudies-literatureUnknown24(1)<h4>Background</h4>Antenatal iron and folic acid (IFA) supplementation remains an effective strategy in the prevention of maternal anemia and low birthweight and is universally recommended by WHO. However, uptake of IFA has varied globally due to challenges with acceptability, supply and distribution, counselling and knowledge, and access to health services. In Botswana, nearly one-third of pregnant women engaged in antenatal care do not receive IFA, despite it being standard of care. The objectives of this study were to assess knowledge of and barriers and facilitators to IFA supplementation before and during pregnancy.<h4>Methods</h4>We conducted qualitative interviews with two key stakeholder groups at two different levels-the individual level (pregnant women) and the service delivery lBMC public healthA qualitative assessment of barriers to iron and folic acid supplementation among pregnant women in Botswana.PMC11616331K24 AI131924K23 HD088230R01 HD080471Mayondi GLockman SMoeng LDiseko MKebaabetswe PMabuta JShapiro RLowenthal ECaniglia ECMmalane MZash RMakhema JfalseA qualitative assessment of barriers to iron and folic acid supplementation among pregnant women in Botswana.<h4>Background</h4>Antenatal iron and folic acid (IFA) supplementation remains an effective strategy in the prevention of maternal anemia and low birthweight and is universally recommended by WHO. However, uptake of IFA has varied globally due to challenges with acceptability, supply and distribution, counselling and knowledge, and access to health services. In Botswana, nearly one-third of pregnant women engaged in antenatal care do not receive IFA, despite it being standard of care. The objectives of this study were to assess knowledge of and barriers and facilitators to IFA supplementation before and during pregnancy.<h4>Methods</h4>We conducted qualitative interviews with two key stakeholder groups at two different levels-the individual level (pregnant women) and the service delivery l2024-01-01T00:00:00Z2024 Dec2025-04-18T12:55:28.696Z2025-04-06T22:20:40.091ZS-EPMC116163313962776010.1186/s12889-024-20685-5