COMPLIENCE TO WEEKLY IRON FOLIC ACID SUPPLEMENTATION AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS AMONG SCHOOL ADOLESCENT GIRLS IN HARU WOREDA, WESTERN OROMIA: CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

ADVISORS MESERET BELETE (PhD, ASSIST. PROF) Background: Iron deficiency anemia remains a significant public health concern among adolescents, particularly in low- and middle-income countries including Ethiopia. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends weekly iron and folic acid supplementation (WIFAS) for menstruating women to reduce the risk of anemia. Despite these guidelines, adherence to WIFAS programs is challenging specifically in my study area. Objective: To assess weekly iron and folic acid supplementation compliance and identify associated factors among in school adolescent girls in Haru Woreda, Oromia, 2025. Methods: Institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 418 adolescent girls selected by systematic sampling technique in Haru Woreda from March 1–14, 2025, Data was collected using interviewer-administered questionnaires, entered into EpiD-ata version 4.4.3.1, and analyzed with SPSS version 24. Descriptive statistics such as mean, standard deviation, and frequency tables and graphs were used to for indicated variables. Multicollinearity was checked by using Variance inflation factor (VIF), and model fitness was checked by Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness of fit test. Variables with p < 0.25 in bivariate analysis were included in multivariable logistic regression. AORs with 95% CIs were used to assess the strength of association, finally significance was declared at p ≤ 0.05. Results: The study reported a high response rate of 99%. The level of weekly iron and folic acid supplementation compliance was 54.3% (95% CI: 49.5%–59.1%). After adjusting for confounders, students in grades 7–8 (AOR = 3.44; 95% CI: 1.33–8.92 availability of drinking water at school (AOR = 3.42; 95% CI: 1.10–10.79), no stock-outs of IFA tablet (AOR = 3.04; 95% CI: 1.03–8.93), and having good knowledge (AOR = 4.23; 95% CI: 1.84–9.70).) were factors associated with compliance. Conclusions: About half of the adolescent girls in Haru Woreda regularly took the Iron Folic Acid Supplementation as recommended. Key ...