The Effect of Iron-Folic Acid (IFA) on the Size of the Mid-Upper Arm Circumference of Pregnant Women During Pregnancy

Background & Objective: Pregnant women need more nutritional intake than before pregnancy. If this nutritional intake is insufficient for the mother, it will result in Chronic Energy Deficiency (CED). To determine if pregnant women are experiencing malnutrition or cannot be known by measuring the Mid-Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC). Based on service regulations for pregnant women in Indonesia, the minimum number of Iron-Folic Acid (IFA) tablets pregnant women get is ۱۲۰. Regarding this condition, a study was conducted to analyze the relationship between the amount of IFA consumption on MUAC and several other therapeutic outcomes.Materials & Methods: This study used a cross-sectional method by examining the patient's medical records. Patients who received IFA as many as ۱۲۰ tablets or more will become the exposure group. Data will be analyzed descriptively using chi-square.Results: The MUAC size significantly differed at the end of pregnancy (P=۰.۰۱). However, overall, there was no significant difference between the two groups.Conclusion: The IFA administration generally gives good results, but the optimal number of IFA doses still needs further study.

Keywords:

Iron , Folic acid , Circumference Pregnancy , Dietary Supplement