Virtual Antenatal Intervention For Improved Diet and Iron Intake (VALID)
The prevalence of anaemia is highest in the Terai region of Nepal as compared to other ecological regions. Recent data from Nepal Health Demographic Survey and Nepal National Micro-nutrient Status Survey (NNMSS) show an increase in number of pregnant women taking Iron Folic Acid (IFA) supplements than previously but intake of the recommended numbers is still low. A mHealth intervention providing virtual counselling to pregnant women nd family members on cause of anaemia during pregnancy, the importance of antenatal care (ANC) and IFA intake, and good dietary practices aimed to overcome barriers for behavior change in improving overall health of pregnant women. The study evaluated whether an antenatal virtual nutrition counselling to pregnant women increases compliance with IFA supplementation (compliance defined as consumption of IFA on 80% or more of the days between baseline and end line), compared with women who have access to routine ANC only (control).