Determinants of Suboptimal Hemoglobin Response to Oral Iron Supplementation among Pregnant Women with Anemia in Primary Midwifery Care

Adriana Bangun; Achmad Zulfikar Siregar; Eka Ristin Tarigan; Adelina Fitri Tanjung; Putri Yolanda Situmorang; Merry Lumban Gaol

doi:10.70716/mohr.v3i3.728

Authors

Adriana Bangun Diploma III Midwifery, Mitra Sejati College of Health Sciences, Medan, Indonesia
Achmad Zulfikar Siregar Department of Hospital Administration, Mitra Sejati College of Health Sciences, Medan, Indonesia
Eka Ristin Tarigan Diploma III Midwifery, Mitra Sejati College of Health Sciences, Medan, Indonesia
Adelina Fitri Tanjung Diploma III Midwifery, Mitra Sejati College of Health Sciences, Medan, Indonesia
Putri Yolanda Situmorang Diploma III Midwifery, Mitra Sejati College of Health Sciences, Medan, Indonesia
Merry Lumban Gaol Diploma III Midwifery, Mitra Sejati College of Health Sciences, Medan, Indonesia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.70716/mohr.v3i3.728

Keywords:

anemia in pregnancy, iron supplementation, hemoglobin response, compliance, primary midwifery care

Abstract

Background: Iron deficiency anemia remains a major public health problem during pregnancy, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Although oral iron supplementation is the standard treatment in Indonesian primary midwifery care, many women fail to achieve an adequate hemoglobin response. Objective: This study aimed to identify determinants of suboptimal hemoglobin response, defined as a hemoglobin increase of less than 1 g/dL after 90 days of oral iron supplementation, among pregnant women with anemia in primary midwifery care in Medan. Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study with prospective hemoglobin follow-up was conducted in seven primary midwifery care units involving 286 pregnant women with mild-to-moderate anemia. Data were collected using structured questionnaires, dietary assessments, compliance records, and maternal health records. Hemoglobin levels were measured at baseline and after 90 days. Multiple logistic regression was performed to identify independent determinants. Results: Suboptimal hemoglobin response occurred in 42.3% of participants. Independent determinants included poor adherence to iron supplementation (AOR = 5.34), low dietary iron intake (AOR = 4.52), tea or coffee consumption after meals (AOR = 3.71), moderate baseline anemia (AOR = 3.29), fewer than four antenatal care visits (AOR = 2.84), and inadequate nutritional counseling (AOR = 2.56). Conclusion: Behavioral, nutritional, biological, and service-related factors jointly influence hemoglobin response. Strengthening adherence monitoring, nutritional counseling, and risk-based screening within primary midwifery care may improve treatment outcomes among pregnant women with anemia.

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