Understanding barriers in implementation and scaling up WIFS from providers perspective: A mixed-method study, Rishikesh, India

• DOI: 10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_1014_19
• Publication Date: 2020-03-22T08:30:08Z
• Authors: Meenakshi Khapre; HemantD Shewade; Surekha Kishore; Gomathi Ramaswamy; AmolR Dongre
• Keywords: 03 medical and health sciences; 0302 clinical medicine; adolescent; 4. Education; R; Medicine; mixed-method approach; Original Article; schools; weekly folic acid supplementation; 3. Good health

Context: Since the implementation of Weekly Iron and Folic acid Supplementation (WIFS) program in India 2013, little effort has been made to comprehensively evaluate program. Aims: This study was carried out assess coverage WIFS among adolescent girls, explore barriers, suggest solutions improve through public schools Rishikesh, (2018–19). Methods Materials: a sequential explanatory mixed-methods study. Quantitative component community-based cross-sectional survey determine prevalence anemia WIFS. Qualitative added an explanation understand document review nonparticipant observation session. We invited stakeholders for nominal group discussion on barriers solutions. Statistical Analysis Used: Variables were described as proportion mean. Group transcript analyzed using content analysis. Results: Of 400 16% (95% CI: 12.4, 19.6) received weekly 45% ever iron tablets over last 3 months 79% anemic. From ten schools, one school never implemented There iron-folic (IFA) stock 10 year. Major identified nonavailability IFA, irregularity submitting IFA consumption report. Suggested ensuring stock, strengthening supervision, ownership, training, regular meetings stakeholders. Conclusions: To conclude, setting with high prevalence, poorly implemented. Ownership supervision is essential success