Peri-conceptional folic acid supplementation: A Cross-Sectional Study to Assess the Awareness, Knowledge, Use and Associated Factors Among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Care in Two Secondary Health Care Facilities, Southwest Region, Cameroon

Abstract

Background: Neural tube defects(NTDs) are among the most common birth defects, contributing to miscarriages, infant mortality, severe congenital abnormalities, and serious disabilities. The protective effect of peri-conceptional folic acid (PFA) supplementation in reducing the risk of NTDs and other adverse pregnancy outcomes has been scientifically confirmed.