21 October 2024 – A new study by Jocelyne M. Labonté, Mai-Anh Hoang, Aishwarya Panicker, and colleagues investigates the factors affecting adherence to multiple micronutrient supplements (MMS) during pregnancy in Cambodia. With growing evidence suggesting MMS’s superiority over iron-folic acid (IFA) supplements for positive pregnancy outcomes, Cambodia is exploring the potential of integrating MMS into government-run health centers.
The study analyzed data from focus groups and interviews with pregnant women, family members, midwives, and health chiefs. Findings reveal that adherence to MMS is influenced by factors such as:
The research also highlighted strengths within Cambodia’s antenatal care services, including quality materials and strong midwife-patient relationships, alongside challenges like resource limitations and midwife workload.
To promote effective MMS adherence, the study calls for strategies that engage families and communities, address knowledge gaps, and improve ANC resources. These findings provide critical insights to guide the rollout of MMS in Cambodia’s healthcare system.
