Population perception of use of folic acid among females during childbearing period in the Eastern Region, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Background: Folic acid (FA) is a B-complex vitamin that has a vital role for pregnant women and the fetus in the development of the skull and central nervous system. This study aims to assess the level of knowledge about folic supplements among females during the childbearing period in the eastern region of Saudi Arabia. Methods: A qualitative cross-sectional based on 385 female participants aged 18 to 45 was conducted between 1 January 2021 and 29 August 2021. An online electronic survey was employed using social media in the eastern region of Saudi Arabia for this study. Result: This study found that 10.9% of participants had good knowledge of FA, and 89.1% had poor knowledge. Most of the participants (96.1%) heard about FA. Among them, 36.1% knew that FA is vitamin B. Only 75 (19.5%) females reported getting the proper daily amount of FA (400 mg/day), and 216 (56.1%) knew that FA should be given before and during the first trimester of pregnancy. Regarding the effects of FA deficiency, 51.2% of females reported FA deficiency anemia. Only 22.1% of females said they had heard of neural tube defects. Conclusion: This study concluded that the female population's knowledge regarding FA is poor. Authors suggest using social media and awareness campaigns to improve the understanding and knowledge of FA among Saudi female people.