The Association of Antenatal Care Regularity and Iron Supplementation with Anemia among Third Trimester Pregnant Women During the Covid-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Anemia during pregnancy remains a persistent maternal health problem in Indonesia. Nationally, the prevalence is nearly 49%, with certain regions such as Central Kalimantan reporting figures above 60%. At Permata Ibu Clinic, the prevalence among third-trimester pregnant women reached 25%. Antenatal care (ANC) and regular iron supplementation are essential interventions for reducing anemia. However, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted routine maternal health services, which may have influenced anemia rates. To analyze the relationship between ANC attendance, iron supplementation, and anemia incidence among third-trimester pregnant women during the COVID-19 pandemic. This retrospective analytic observational study used secondary medical record data from April 2020 to April 2021. A total of 123 purposively selected third-trimester pregnant women were included. Data were analyzed using Chi-square tests. Regular ANC visits were recorded in 61% of participants, while 52% adhered to iron tablet supplementation. The majority of respondents (65.9%) were not anemic. Chi-square analysis revealed significant associations between ANC regularity and anemia (p<0.001), and between iron supplementation and anemia (p<0.001). Both correlations were of moderate strength (r≈0.48). Consistent ANC visits and adherence to iron supplementation significantly reduced anemia prevalence among third-trimester pregnant women during the COVID-19 pandemic. Strengthening ANC accessibility and improving compliance with iron supplementation remain crucial strategies for maternal health programs, particularly during health emergencies.