OBJECTIVE:

To determine the relationship between the level of knowledge and adherence to the prescribed regimen of ferrous sulfate and folic acid to prevent or treat gestational anemia in patients attended in a public hospital in Peru.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

Observational, descriptive, case series, cross-sectional and prospective study carried out between February and April 2022 in patients in the immediate postpartum period with a diagnosis of gestational anemia established two months before the end of pregnancy. Knowledge was assessed by means of a questionnaire and adherence by means of the Morisky-Green-Levine test, both validated and reliable instruments. Statistical analysis was performed with the STATA program; Pearson’s χ2 and the generalized linear model of the Poisson family with robust variance and 95% confidence level were used.

RESULTS:

A total of 217 patients were studied; 2 out of 10 had a diagnosis of gestational anemia and were compliant with treatment. Overall, 71.89% of the participants had adequate knowledge of the importance of treatment with ferrous sulfate and folic acid, and 23.96% reached an intermediate level. The relationship between the level of knowledge and adherence was close to statistical significance (p = 0.05 RPa:1.63; 95%CI: 0.99-2.71), established by adjusted analysis. Understanding the importance of antianemic treatment for the mother increased the prevalence of adherence threefold (p = 0.04; RPa: 3.17; 95%CI: 1.04-9.72).

CONCLUSION:

Mothers’ knowledge of the importance of antianemic treatment significantly increased adherence.