Importance Of Folic Acid Intake Research Articles

Assessment of knowledge and attitudes among pregnant women’s towards folic acid intake during pregnancy in a sample of women attending primary health care centers in Babylon province

Background: Folic acid (vitamin B9) is one of the important vitamins required for embryonic growth and development, as well as preventing the occurrence of congenital malformations, which are a major health concern in developing countries and around the world because they have a direct impact on the affected babies, their families, and the community. Objectives: To assess the knowledge and attitudes of pregnant women toward folic acid intake throughout pregnancy in a sample of women in Babylon Governorate and to assess the association of knowledge, attitude of folic acid with certain sociodemographic and obstetric characteristics. Methods: A cross-sectional interview-based study targeting a convenient sample of 265 pregnant women who attended antenatal care unit of five PHCCs in Babylon Governorate/Iraq during a period of three months (from April 1 to July 1, 2021). The respondents were interviewed with a pretested questionnaire, that includes data related to sociodemographic and obstetric history, seven questions related to pregnants’ knowledge, and five questions related to pregnant attitudes toward the importance of folic acid intake during pregnancy. Data were analyzed by SPSS, version 26. Results: 265 pregnant women were enrolled in this study. The result found that the mean (±standard deviation) age was 26.5 (±5.7) years where 58.1% (154) of women were in the age group of 20–29 years and two-third of participants were a resident in urban areas. In addition, 54.5% (144) of women had college and postgraduate education, housewives consisted 51% (134) of the sample, and 45 were employed; only 26 (9.8%) pregnant women were not hearing about folic acid intake during pregnancy. The major source of hearing was doctors. 44.8% (107) of participants had fair level of knowledge; knowledge score was significantly associated with age, residency, and occupation of pregnant women (P ≤ 0.05); knowledge score had no significant association with educational level, parity, history of abortion and stillbirth, or having children with congenital anomalies. 75 (31.4%) mothers had negative attitude toward using folic acid during pregnancy. Pregnant attitude toward folic acid supplements had no association with sociodemographic and obstetrical history. There was a positive moderate linear correlation between the mother’s knowledge and attitude (r = 0.36, P < 0.001). Conclusions: The study found that pregnant women had a fair and good knowledge about using folic acid during pregnancy. In addition, most pregnant women have a positive attitude.

FOLIC ACID INTAKE

Objectives: Study objectives were devised to assess perceptions of womenregarding importance of folic acid intake, to evaluate role of healthcare providers in counselingof women for folic acid intake, to find out association between perceptions of women withfolic acid intake practices and with counseling of healthcare providers. Study Design: A crosssectional survey. Setting: Gynecology and Obstetrics Wards and OPDs of Tertiary Care andTeaching Hospitals of District Rawalpindi. Period: July-December 2016. Methodology: Studyparticipants were approached by using convenient sampling technique and sample size was of271 women of reproductive age. attending gynecology and obstetrics wards and OPDs of tertiarycare and teaching hospitals of district Rawalpindi. After obtaining consent from institutionalreview board, an interview-based questionnaire was used as data collection tool. Results:Out of 271 women of childbearing age, 60% perceived the importance of folic acid intake indiet. The highest counseling contribution was from doctors (57.6%) while evaluation of role ofhealthcare providers was done regarding counseling. Those who had perceived importanceof folic acid had a significant better intake (p = 0.03). There was a significant associationbetween role of healthcare providers and perceptions (p = 0.02). Conclusion: Majority ofwomen perceived importance of folic acid intake and doctors were playing a significant role incounseling of women regarding folic acid intake during pregnancy. Folic acid intake practiceswere significantly influenced by women’s own perceptions and role of healthcare providers wasa very important factor to direct perceptions of women.

Knowledge of folic acid and spina bifida among female college students and employees in Asir region, Saudi Arabia

Background: Spina bifida is one of the most challenging and partially preventable congenital diseases that can be prevented with adequate amounts of folic acid (FA) intake before conception and throughout the first few months of pregnancy. Knowledge about the adequate timing and duration of FA intake is critical for prevention. Methods: A questionnaire-based, cross-sectional study was conducted to assess spina bifida and FA awareness among female students at King Khalid University (KKU), Abha, Saudi Arabia. The study included three groups: health-college female students (HCS), non-health-college female students (NHCS), and KKU female employees (others). These three groups were attendants at the Spina Bifida Awareness Week that was held at KKU in March 2017. Results: There were 1,366 participants, of whom 11% were HCS, 59% were NHCS, and 30% were “others”. Across all tested domains (i.e., spina bifida awareness, FA intake time and duration, diseases prevented by folic acid intake, and food rich in folic acid), it was found that statistically significant differences existed. The results showed a highly significant lack of knowledge towards the aforementioned domains in both the NHCS and “others” groups. Marital status and number of children were independent variables and showed statistically significant differences in knowledge toward the tested domains. Conclusion: In Saudi Arabia, more attention should be paid to educate women of childbearing age on the importance of FA intake in preventing spina bifida. These results indicate how FA intake awareness should be embedded in junior-high and secondary school curricula to further educate females on the importance of FA.

Neural tube defects and folic acid in Japan: Prologue introduction ‐ Understanding of the current status of Japan and the proposal from Japanese Teratology Society

Neural tube defects and folic acid in Japan: Prologue introduction ‐ Understanding of the current status of Japan and the proposal from Japanese Teratology Society

Survey on awareness of folic acid recognition and intake by female students.

To reduce the risk of neural tube defects, studies have been conducted on female students of medical services, nutritional science, and nursery education that investigated the awareness of folic acid by using questionnaires. Many investigators have suggested the need to provide detailed information about the awareness of folic acid and knowledge about folic acid intake and neural tube defect risk reduction. The dietary habits of female students showed a positive correlation with their estimated folic acid intake, suggesting that improvements in dietary habits are associated with the consumption of folic acid. The importance of folic acid intake must be more aggressively promoted among female students. Thus, many learning opportunities should be provided for such students to help increase their folic acid intake.

Awareness of Pharmacy Students regarding the Importance of Folic Acid Intake for the Prevention of Neural Tube Defects

Awareness of Pharmacy Students regarding the Importance of Folic Acid Intake for the Prevention of Neural Tube Defects

葉酸による出生児の神経管閉鎖障害リスク低下効果に関する看護学生の認識

葉酸による出生児の神経管閉鎖障害リスク低下効果に関する看護学生の認識

Introducing reproductive life plan-based information in contraceptive counselling: an RCT

STUDY QUESTIONCan reproductive life plan (RLP)-based information in contraceptive counselling before pregnancy increase women's knowledge of reproduction, and of the importance of folic acid intake in particular?SUMMARY ANSWERThe RLP-based information increased women's knowledge of reproduction including knowledge of folic acid intake.WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADYMany women have insufficient knowledge of reproduction, including a health-promoting lifestyle prior to conception, and highly educated women in particular postpone childbearing until an age when their fertile capacity has started to decrease.STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATIONThe study was an randomized controlled trial with one intervention group (IG) and two control groups (CG1, CG2). A sample size calculation indicated that 82 women per group would be adequate. Recruitment took place during 3 months in 2012 and 299 women were included. The women were randomized in blocks of three. All groups received standard care (contraceptive counselling, Chlamydia testing, cervical screening). In addition, women in the IG were given oral and written RLP-based information about reproduction.PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODSA total of 299 out of 338 (88%) Swedish-speaking women visiting a Student Health Centre were included (mean age 23 years); response rate was 88%. Before the counselling, women in the IG and the CG1 completed a baseline questionnaire, including questions about lifestyle changes in connection to pregnancy planning, family planning intentions and knowledge of reproduction (e.g. the fecundity of an ovum). At follow-up 2 months after inclusion, a structured telephone interview was performed in all groups (n = 262, 88% participation rate).MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCEThere was no difference between the groups regarding the mean knowledge score at baseline. The IG scored higher at follow-up than at baseline (P < 0.001); the mean increased from 6.4 to 9.0 out of a maximum 20 points. The women in the CG1 scored no differently at follow-up than at baseline. The difference in the knowledge score between the IG and the two CGs was significant (P < 0.001), whereas no difference was shown between the two CGs. There was no difference between the groups at baseline regarding how many women could mention folic acid intake among the things to do when planning to get pregnant. At follow-up, 22% in the IG, 3% in CG1 and 1% in CG2 mentioned folic acid intake (P < 0.001). At follow-up, more women in the IG also wished to have their last child earlier in life (P < 0.001) than at baseline, while there was no difference in the CG1.LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTIONAs the study sample consisted of university students, it is possible that the effect of the intervention was connected to a high level of education and conclusions for all women of reproductive age should be drawn with caution.WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGSThe provision of RLP-based information seems to be a feasible tool for promoting reproductive health.STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S)Study funding was received from the Faculty of Medicine, Uppsala University, Sweden. There are no conflicts of interest.TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBERClinicalTrial.gov Identifier NCT01739101.

Determination of Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase (MTHFR) gene polymorphism in Turkish patients with nonsyndromic cleft lip and palate

ObjectiveTo investigate the association between MTHFR C677T polymorphism and Turkish patients with nonsyndromic cleft lip and/or palate (nsCL/P) and to determine the prevalence of the Turkish population. Patients and methodsMolecular analysis of gene polymorphisms were carried out using polymerase chain reactions and restriction enzyme digestions. In our study, 80 patients with nsCL/P and 125 unrelated individuals from Turkey were studied. ResultsWe found that MTHFR C677T polymorphism is a significant risk factor for nsCL/P in Turkey (p=0.0004). These results support the impact of MTHFR C677T polymorphism and importance of folic acid intake in the etiology of nsCL/P. ConclusionsMTHFR gene which is localized in the relevant region of chromosome 1p36.3 not been studied Turkish patients with nsCL/P and the prevalence of our country not to be determined. We revealed statistically association between the MTHFR C677T gene polymorphism and nonsyndromic cleft lip and/or palate in the Turkish population.

Pharmacists’ Awareness of the Importance of Folic Acid Intake for the Prevention of Neural Tube Defects

Pharmacists’ Awareness of the Importance of Folic Acid Intake for the Prevention of Neural Tube Defects

Exencefalia, malformación severa y mortal, diagnóstico prenatal y autopsia fetal

Congenital malformations constitute a public health problem in Mexico, affecting approximately 2-6% of newborns. Central nervous system malformations are the second most frequent malformations in the population of Mexico.As with most congenital malformations, the etiology of central nervous system anomalies is multifactorial, resulting from interactions among genetic, infectious, environmental, racial, physical and chemical factors, and deficiency or alteration of folic acid metabolism. We report a case of exencephaly with postmortem analysis. We also review the embryology of this entity, with emphasis on the use of ultrasound to establish diagnostic criteria and the importance of folic acid intake at the stage of central nervous system embryogenesis.

Maternal depressive symptoms, serum folate status, and pregnancy outcome: results of the Amsterdam Born Children and their Development study

The objective was to explore whether different levels of depressive symptoms in pregnant women and their serum folate status combined were associated with the gestational age and birthweight of their offspring. Data were derived from pregnant women in Amsterdam who completed a questionnaire covering depressive symptoms (Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale) and from whom blood samples were taken to determine serum folate status. Only live-born singletons were included (n = 4044) in the multivariate regression analysis. When adjusted for potential confounders, only the association between major depressive symptoms and gestational age remained significant (-0.2 weeks; 95% confidence interval, -0.4 to -0.1). Women with depressive symptoms and low folate status (7.6%) experienced the shortest gestational age (38.6 weeks) and lowest birthweight (3270 g) (there was no significant interaction). Depressive symptoms were associated with shorter gestational age and related lower birthweight. The study results underline the importance of folic acid intake specifically in women suffering from depressive symptoms.

Practice of Pharmaceutical Care Based on a Clinical Pharmaceutical Research in a Community Pharmacy

A clinical research is not only an important issue for hospital pharmacist but also for community pharmacist because it is necessary to practice high quality pharmaceutical care. It goes without saying that drug and patient's informations are of great importance to investigate the clinical research in community pharmacist. However, the accessibility of latter information is limited to prescription, medication note, medication and care records, interview to the patients for community pharmacist, so far. Therefore, likewise pharmaceutical care, the abilities that find and solve the problems is very important for the clinical research by community pharmacist. In addition, it should consider that it cooperates with the facilities such as the hospital and faculty of university. This paper give a summary account of the usefulness of clinical research on the practice of pharmaceutical care for community pharmacy using our three examples such as, 1)Evaluation of usefulness of population pharmacokinetics analysis results to community pharmacy -effect of smoking and gender difference on olanzapine dosages, 2)Investigation of binding of drugs with natural polymer supplements, 3)Health promotion by primary-care pharmacist -Usefulness of educational activities for importance of folic acid intake in pregnancy-aged women, which have been worked together with hospital pharmacist, faculty of university, and community resident, respectively.

A comparison of folic acid awareness and intake among young women aged 18–24 years

To investigate public understanding of the importance of folic acid intake in young women aged 18-24 years. A written questionnaire designed by the researcher was administered to 138 young women aged 18-24 years attending college or those seeking care in the county health facility. A total of 88 complete questionnaires were used for the data analysis. Young women were not aware of the importance of folic acid, were not taking multivitamins containing folic acid, and were not consuming enough folic acid in their diets. No relationship existed between pregnancy intention and folic acid intake, suggesting that those who were planning a pregnancy in the near future were not consuming adequate amounts of folic acid. A lack of knowledge regarding the importance of folic acid may lead to poor pregnancy outcomes. Many educational opportunities exist and should be developed in clinics, physician's offices, and classes which involve young women in this age group.