Family influences on health and nutrition practices of pregnant adolescents in Bangladesh.

Adolescent pregnancy can result in serious risks to the mother and her baby; yet, adolescents are among the least likely to access healthcare. Specific nutrition or antenatal care (ANC) guidelines for supporting pregnant adolescents are not available. To understand experiences and decision-making of pregnant adolescents in Bangladesh related to ANC and nutrition practices, peer interviewers were trained to conduct qualitative interviews in Dhaka and Rangpur with pregnant adolescents (n = 48), adolescent mothers (n = 48), adolescents' family members (n = 64) and health service providers (n = 32). Key themes explored included perception and support of adolescent pregnancy, experiences in seeking ANC, dietary practices, sources of information and roles of male and female family members. Spheres of influence on adolescent pregnancy were identified through analytical framework informed by the socio-ecological model. Respondents felt that adolescent pregnancy is risky and that adolescents require support and guidance through this experience. Families were highly influential on the care seeking, health and nutrition of pregnant adolescents, and mothers/mothers-in-law primarily took on the decision-making roles, with husbands actively participating. Adolescents valued family support but felt a loss of autonomy and agency upon becoming pregnant. Financial constraints were the greatest perceived barrier to appropriate nutrition and healthcare; yet, both were valued. There is sometimes discord of health and nutrition beliefs between families and health service providers; more research is needed to understand this further. It is essential to engage family members and adolescents in initiatives to increase access to quality ANC for pregnant adolescents, improve dietary practices and support the ability to delay pregnancy.

Awareness about Anaemia and Weekly Iron-Folic Acid Supplementation (WIFAS) among School-Going Adolescent Girls and Parents in East Java and East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia.

Since 2016, Indonesia has been implementing a weekly iron-folic acid supplementation (WIFAS) program in two provinces for school going adolescent girls to reduce anaemia. This study aimed to explore the awareness and understanding of school-going adolescent girls and parents regarding anaemia and WIFAS. The study was conducted in 10 districts, each from East Java province and East Nusa Tenggara province. Twenty focused group discussions (FGDs) were conducted with school-going adolescent girls (n=174) and ten FGDs with parents (n=66). Also, in-depth interviews (IDIs) were conducted with school-going adolescent girls (n=20) and their parents (n=10) from 20 schools. All FGDs and IDIs were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed for themes using NVivo Pro 12 software. School going adolescent girls and parents had high levels of misinformation about anaemia and healthy nutritional practices, which were influenced by socio-cultural milieu and local dietary habits. Both parents and girls perceived low risk of anaemia for school-going adolescent girls. Girls stated that their parents' opinion about anaemia influenced their desire to consume iron supplements. In conclusion, girls and parents would benefit from increased access to information about anaemia risks and prevention, and the benefits of WIFAS for adolescent girls. Prevention of anemia should include relevant dietary guidance that considers their socio-cultural milieu and local dietary habits.

Coverage and Adherence of Weekly Iron Folic Acid Supplementation among School Going Adolescent Girls in Indonesia.

The Weekly Iron Folic Acid (WIFA) supplementation program for school going adolescent girls has been implemented by Indonesian Government since 2016. The objective of this study was to assess the coverage and adherence toward the WIFAS among school going adolescent girls, as part of a baseline assessment of the new intervention. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in East Java (EJ) and East Nusa Tenggara (ENT) in year 2018. The samples were drawn from 60 high schools from 20 districts. The data collection was done by using a semi-structured, self-administered questionnaire. RESULTS: The total number of respondents in EJ and ENT was 934 and 922 adolescent girls respectively, with a mean age of 17 y. The percentage of girls who reported to have received WIFAS tablet in the last six months was only 10% in ENT and 31% in EJ. The average number of WIFA tablet received was only 0.4-1.4 tablets and the average number of tablets consumed was only 0.4-0.7 tablet in the last 6 mo. Adolescent girls, who consumed at least 1 tablet was only 9% in ENT and 18% in EJ. The frequently causes of not consuming WIFA were that they forgot; did not think it was necessary; and were scared side effects. CONCLUSION: The coverage and adherence to WIFA program among school going adolescent girls in EJ and ENT provinces were low.