Effective factors on mother's performance regarding supplementary iron-drop taking by their children in Birjand

Iron deficiency anemia is the commonest hematological disease and nutritional deficiency in children therefore, in many countries-including Iran, as well -long term programs for the prevention of it have been carried out. This study was done in Birjand in 2005 to evaluate mother's performance regarding iron- drop taking by their children and to identify effective factors involved. This cross- sectional study was undertaken during the spring of 2005 on mothers with 24- 30 month old children who were under the supervision of 9 urban hygiene- health centers in Birjand. 292 mothers were chosen through multi- staging cluster sampling and their performance regarding suitable age to start and to stop iron- drop taking and the proper way to use it was evaluated. Moreover, the effect of some factors on mother's performance was studied through questionnaires and live interviews. The obtained data was statistically analysed at the significant level of P<0.05 by means of SPSS software and chi-square statistical test. Almost all (97.6%) mothers had begun giving iron- drop at suitable age (4-6 month old), 23.3% of them discontinued it before suitable age (24 month old). The most common cause for the interruption (45.6%) was gastrointestinal (GI) complications (vomiting and diarrhea). In regard to essential care during the period of using iron-drop the performance of 28. 8% of mothers was good, 58.6% moderate, and 12.7% was weak. There was a significant correlation between mother's performance and their level of education (P=0.01). But there was not a significant relationship between mother's instruction in health centers, gravidity, newborn's sex, mother’s age, and her occupational status. Raising the level of mother's education in the region, by holding special classes for mothers with low level of literacy and a review of educational programs of the health centers are recommended.