Why do adult women in Vietnam take iron tablets?
2006

Factors Influencing Iron Tablet Intake Among Women in Vietnam

Sample size: 159 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Aikawa Ritsuko, Jimba Masamine, Nguen Khan C, Zhao Yun, Binns Colin W, Lee Mi Kyung

Primary Institution: Institute for International Cooperation, Japan International Cooperation Agency

Hypothesis

What factors influence adult women in Vietnam to take iron tablets?

Conclusion

The study found that the availability of iron tablets and the health of newborns were key motivators for women to continue taking iron tablets.

Supporting Evidence

  • 97% of participants took some iron tablets during their last pregnancy.
  • 50% of women reported fewer spells of dizziness as a reason for taking iron tablets.
  • 54% were motivated by concern for their newborn's health.
  • Frequent supply of iron tablets was associated with longer duration of intake.

Takeaway

Women in Vietnam are more likely to take iron tablets if they can get them easily and care about their baby's health.

Methodology

A cross-sectional survey was conducted with adult women who delivered babies in rural Vietnam, using workshops, focus group discussions, and a questionnaire.

Potential Biases

Potential bias from reliance on self-reported data and the limited availability of village health workers.

Limitations

The study was conducted in a rural district, limiting geographic diversity, and relied on self-reported data.

Participant Demographics

Adult women under 35 years who delivered babies between August 2001 and December 2002.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.05

Confidence Interval

95% CI: 4.33–32.85

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1471-2458-6-144

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