TABLE 3.
Observations of providers counseling clients during first, second, and third ANC visits1
| Information ANC providers shared | First visit (n = 73), n (%) | Second visit (n = 63), n (%) | Third visit (n = 64), n (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Purpose of calcium pills | |||
| Reduce risk of preeclampsia or high blood pressure | 73 (100%) | 55 (87.3%) | 54 (84.4%) |
| Protect the health of women and infant/protect against health problems | 73 (100%) | 58 (92.1%) | 49 (76.6%) |
| Prevent fits that can lead to death of mother and infant | 63 (86.3%) | 23 (36.5%) | 26 (40.6%) |
| Purpose of iron-folic acid pills | |||
| Reduce risk of anemia or weak blood | 73 (100%) | 54 (85.7%) | 48 (75.0%) |
| Protect the health of women and infant/protect against health problems | 72 (98.6%) | 58 (92.1%) | 45 (70.3%) |
| Prevent feeling tired, dizzy, weak or give strength/energy | 69 (94.5%) | 44 (69.8%) | 20 (31.3%) |
| Reduce risk of bleeding during delivery | 45 (61.6%) | 4 (6.35%) | 6 (9.38%) |
| How to take supplements | |||
| What times of day to take supplements | 73 (100%) | 60 (95.2%) | 60 (93.8%) |
| Take calcium with food | 66 (90.4%) | 58 (92.1%) | 56 (87.5%) |
| How many iron-folic acid pills to take each day | 72 (98.6%) | 59 (93.7%) | 54 (84.4%) |
| Strategies to cope with side effects | |||
| Side effects are not harmful and usually go away if you keep taking the tablets | 61 (83.6%) | 33 (52.4%) | 11 (17.2%) |
| Talk to a health care provider if side effects continue | 60 (82.2%) | 32 (50.8%) | 18 (28.1%) |
| Taking tablets with food can help | 59 (80.8%) | 39 (61.9%) | 14 (21.9%) |
| Specific side effects | |||
| Black stools | 59 (80.8%) | 23 (36.5%) | 2 (3.1%) |
| Diarrhea | 58 (79.5%) | 15 (23.9%) | 3 (4.7%) |
| Nausea | 45 (61.6%) | 17 (27.0%) | 7 (10.9%) |
| Constipation | 33 (45.2%) | 12 (19.1%) | 2 (3.1%) |
| Counseling cards and take-home materials | |||
| Gave a reminder calendar | 72 (98.6%) | 60 (95.2%) | 64 (100%) |
| Gave adherence partner poster | 68 (93.2%) | 55 (87.3%) | 64 (100%) |
| Used counseling cards to suggest asking someone to support adherence | 61 (83.6%) | 8 (12.7%) | 4 (6.3%) |
| Used counseling cards to discuss calcium and iron-folic acid supplements | 61 (83.6%) | 8 (12.7%) | 2 (3.1%) |
1
Some regimen and counseling information is less relevant at the second and third ANC visits. ANC, antenatal care.