There is iron and iron… Burkinabè Women's Perceptions of Iron Supplementation: A Qualitative Study

This qualitative study assessed rural Burkinabe young women’s understanding of anemia and the role of iron in preventing and treating this condition. The study found that women did not perceive themselves as being at risk for anemia, had limited knowledge of iron’s role in anemia, and neither adolescents nor field workers were convinced of the benefits of supplementing non-pregnant adolescents. The authors highlighted the importance of improving how information is communicated on the role of iron in anemia and adapting iron-folic acid supplementation messaging and counseling to meet the special needs of adolescents.