Abstract
BackgroundTo review the similarities and differences in Pakistani, Bangladeshi and White British mothers health beliefs (attitudes, knowledge and perceptions) and health behaviour regarding their consumption of folic acid pre-conception, to reduce the risk of neural tube defects.MethodsOur study used a descriptive qualitative research approach, implementing face-to-face focus group discussions with Pakistani, Bangladeshi or White British mothers (normal birth outcomes and mothers with poor birth outcomes) and semi-structured interviews or focus groups with service providers using semi-structured topic guides. This method is well suited for under researched areas where in-depth information is sought.There were three sample groups:Pakistani, Bangladeshi and White British mothers with normal birth outcomes (delivery after 37 weeks of gestation, in the preceding 6 to 24 months, weighing 2500 g and living within a specified postcode area in Luton, UK).Pakistani Bangladeshi and white British bereaved mothers who had suffered a perinatal mortality (preceding 6 to 24 months, residing within a specificied postcode area).Healthcare professionals working on the local maternity care pathway (i.e. services providing preconception, antenatal, antepartum and postpartum care).Transcribed discussions were analysed using the Framework Analysis approach.ResultsThe majority of mothers in this sample did not understand the benefits or optimal time to take folic acid pre-conception. Conversely, healthcare professionals believed the majority of women did consume folic acid, prior to conception.ConclusionsThere is a need to increase public health awareness of the optimal time and subsequent benefits for taking folic acid, to prevent neural tube defects.
Highlights
To review the similarities and differences in Pakistani, Bangladeshi and White British mothers health beliefs and health behaviour regarding their consumption of folic acid pre-conception, to reduce the risk of neural tube defects
It has been estimated that only half of all pregnancies are planned [16], suggesting that increasing trends of neural tube defect (NTD) and high numbers of unplanned pregnancies indicate that many women have poor health literacy on the benefits of folic acid consumption before pregnancy occurs
A number of themes and subthemes emerged from the narrative, which is organised by ‘mothers’ and ‘healthcare professionals’
Summary
To review the similarities and differences in Pakistani, Bangladeshi and White British mothers health beliefs (attitudes, knowledge and perceptions) and health behaviour regarding their consumption of folic acid pre-conception, to reduce the risk of neural tube defects. Methods: Our study used a descriptive qualitative research approach, implementing face-to-face focus group discussions with Pakistani, Bangladeshi or White British mothers (normal birth outcomes and mothers with poor birth outcomes) and semi-structured interviews or focus groups with service providers using semi-structured topic guides. This method is well suited for under researched areas where in-depth information is sought. In the U.K., folic acid may be prescribed at a higher dose (5 mg) by General Practitioners under certain circumstances (e.g. risk or previous history of NTD, consumption of anti-epilepsy medication, history of coeliac, diabetes mellitus, sickle cell anaemia or thalassemia, or obesity, [10]), alternatively women can readily purchase folic acid supplements (400mcg) from pharmacies
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