# Knowledge, Attitudes, and Perceptions of Maternity Care Providers on the Implementation of Calcium Supplementation during Pregnancy in Three Public Hospitals in Argentina: A Qualitative Study

## TL;DR

This study explores how maternity care providers in Argentina view calcium supplementation during pregnancy and what factors influence its implementation.

## Contribution

The study provides insights into barriers and facilitators for implementing calcium supplementation in antenatal care in Argentina.

## Key findings

- Maternity care providers' knowledge and attitudes affect the implementation of calcium supplementation.
- Free provision and training are crucial for adopting calcium supplements in antenatal care.
- Future research should include pregnant women and policymakers' views and infrastructure assessments.

## Abstract

The aim of this study was to explore maternity care providers’ knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions about the use of calcium supplements during pregnancy for the prevention of preeclampsia in three hospitals from Metropolitan Buenos Aires, Argentina. We conducted semi-structured interviews and followed a thematic analysis framework. Maternity care providers’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding calcium supplementation during pregnancy are linked to barriers to the potential implementation of calcium supplementation. Free provision of calcium supplements by the government, coupled with training that reinforces the scientific evidence supporting their use to prevent preeclampsia, along with documented recommendations from credible sources, would be crucial to ensure that health providers adopt the use of calcium supplements in antenatal care. Future studies should assess pregnant women and policymakers’ perceptions about calcium supplementation during pregnancy, as well as local infrastructure to provide access to free-of-charge calcium supplements in antenatal care settings. Economic evaluation with local information could inform policymakers and advocate for the implementation of strategies to reduce preeclampsia.