The effect of SMS messaging on the compliance with iron supplementation among pregnant women in Iran: a randomized controlled trial

Abstract

We examined the effect of SMS text messages on compliance with iron supplementation among pregnant women. A randomized controlled trial was conducted on 116 pregnant women referred from public health centres in Ahvaz. Their gestational age was 14-16 weeks. The subjects were randomly assigned to a control group who received usual care, or to a 12-week intervention with SMS reminders in addition to usual care. Participants in both groups were provided with iron supplements and taught how to take iron tablets. Most women in the intervention group (94%) had high compliance with iron supplements compared to the control group (66%); this difference was significant (P = 0.003). Although haemoglobin, haematocrit and ferritin decreased significantly in each group, there was no significant difference between them. Using SMS reminders is an efficient way of improving compliance of women with iron supplementation during pregnancy. However, in the present study better compliance did not improve anaemia.