Exploring factors affecting adherence to multiple micronutrient supplementation during pregnancy in Cambodia: A qualitative analysis.

For decades, iron-folic acid (IFA) supplements have been provided to pregnant women in Cambodia through antenatal care (ANC) services. However, mounting evidence suggests that multiple micronutrient supplements (MMS) are superior to IFA supplements in achieving positive pregnancy outcomes. The possibility of transitioning from IFA supplements to MMS in government-run health centres is currently being assessed in Cambodia.

Adherence and acceptability of multiple micronutrient supplementation during pregnancy: Study protocol for a cluster-randomized non-inferiority trial in Cambodia.

Background: Iron and folic acid (IFA) supplements are currently provided to Cambodian women during pregnancy. However, recent research has found benefits of a multiple micronutrient supplement (MMS) over just IFA alone on several outcomes of perinatal and infant health. The Ministry of Health in Cambodia has proposed a transition from IFA to MMS but to effectively guide this transition requires implementation research on the acceptability and adherence to MMS (over IFA).