Improved periconceptional use of folic acid after patient education in pharmacies: promising results of a pilot study in the Netherlands

Abstract

AbstractObjectiveAlthough most Dutch women plan their pregnancy, less then half begin using folic acid supplements before they become pregnant. The objective of this study was to assess the effect of the provision of unsolicited information through community pharmacies on the knowledge, attitudes and behaviour towards folic acid of women receiving oral contraceptives on prescription.MethodSeven of nine community pharmacies (four intervention and three ‘reference’ pharmacies) in a small Dutch city participated in the study. A sample of 880 women (600 from intervention and 280 from reference pharmacies) receiving oral contraceptives on prescription were sent a postal questionnaire. The questions covered knowledge of, attitude towards and future intentions to take folic acid. Women were also asked whether they had received a sticker and leaflet about folic acid (the interventions) during the previous year, and about sources of information on folic acid. Demographic information requested included age and any previous pregnancies.Key findingsThree-quarters of women in the intervention group reported receiving a sticker about folic acid and 48.4% said they had received a leaflet. Women who received information about folic acid with their oral contraceptives knew more about folic acid and there were differences in attitudes towards and intended use of folic acid in relation to women in the reference group. Some of the differences were statistically significant and were particularly evident among women who had not previously had a child (nulligravidae) and those who were intending to become pregnant within the next 12 months.ConclusionThis study showed that providing information about folic acid from pharmacies to women using oral contraceptives has the potential to increase awareness and use of folic acid among women planning to become pregnant.