Knowledge Attitude and Practices of Iron-Folic Acid Supplementation and Deworming Among Mothers of 6 Months – 60 Months Children Attending an Urban Primary Health Care Centre Field Practice Area in Pudupet – A Cross Sectional Study

Background: Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is a significant global health burden, especially in children under six. India combats childhood anemia via the National Iron Plus Initiative (IFA supplementation) and biannual deworming. NFHS 5 (2019- 2021) reported anemia in 67.1% of Indian children under five, and 57.4% in Tamil Nadu.  Methods: This two-month cross-sectional study (August-September 2022) surveyed 194 mothers of children aged 6-60 months at an urban primary health center in Pudupet. Data was collected using a semi-structured questionnaire.  Results: Knowledge of IFA supplementation was 40.2% (78/194 mothers), while deworming knowledge was 69.6% (135/194). IFA supplementation was practiced by 52.6% (102/194) of mothers, and deworming by 67.5% (131/194). Although 65.6% (86/131) of deworming practices aligned with WHO guidelines (twice yearly), only 34.3% (35/102) of IFA supplementation was weekly and 35.3% (36/102) monthly, despite a twice-weekly recommendation. Key reasons for non-adherence included lack of awareness and perceived side effects like black stools for IFA (62.7%) and abdominal cramps for deworming (48.1%). Binary logistic regression showed maternal age above 30 positively influenced IFA adherence, while lower-middle-class status and working mothers correlated with reduced IFA practice. For deworming, working mothers demonstrated significantly improved practices, and mothers with one child showed marginal significance. Both IFA and deworming practices were significantly associated with maternal occupation and socioeconomic status. Conclusion: Deworming showed better knowledge, attitude, and practice than IFA supplementation. However, both interventions had less than 50% performance across knowledge, attitude, and practice indicators. With rising childhood anemia, increased awareness and practice of IFA supplementation and deworming are crucial for improving child well-being.