The relationship between knowledge, husband's support, and side effects of fe tablets on the severity of anemia and compliance with (fe) tablet consumption among pregnant woman as intervening variables at the bago public health center, probolinggo regency

Anemia among pregnant women remains a major public health problem that adversely affects maternal and fetal health. Adherence to iron (Fe) tablet consumption is a key strategy for preventing anemia but is influenced by maternal knowledge, husband’s support, and Fe tablet side effects. This study aimed to analyze the relationships of knowledge, husband’s support, and Fe tablet side effects with anemia severity, with adherence to Fe tablet consumption as an intervening variable among pregnant women in the working area of Bago Community Health Center, Probolinggo Regency. This quantitative analytical observational study used a cross-sectional design. The sample consisted of 50 pregnant women selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected using questionnaires and hemoglobin examinations or medical records. Statistical analyses included the Chi-Square test and ordinal logistic regression at a 5% significance level. Knowledge (p=0.009), husband’s support (p=0.042), and Fe tablet side effects (p<0.001) were significantly associated with adherence. Adherence was significantly associated with anemia severity (p=0.003). Husband’s support was the strongest predictor (Standardized Beta=0.450). The simultaneous model was significant (Chi-Square=29.233; p=0.000; Nagelkerke R²=0.517). Adherence to Fe tablet consumption mediated the relationships between knowledge, husband’s support, Fe tablet side effects, and anemia severity. Integrated antenatal education, husband involvement, adherence monitoring, and side-effect management are recommended.