Knowledge Of Folic Acid Research Articles

962: Comparative use and knowledge of preconceptional folic acid among obstetrics patients in Phoenix, Arizona- 2017

We sought to determine use and knowledge of folic acid, and assess whether educational efforts within our community have led to an improvement in awareness regarding the benefits of folic acid, as a prior study (2001) found critical knowledge deficits. Following determination of IRB-exempt status, a survey similar to that given to participants in the original 2001 study was administered to willing participants presenting for prenatal care. Those who answered affirmative to the question “Taking vitamins helps prevent birth defects” were given part II of the survey, which asked more in depth questions about this topic. Results were analyzed to assess vitamin use and awareness of the benefits of preconceptional folic acid. Demographic variables were analyzed to determine if differences in knowledge existed within the study population. Half of patients surveyed had not consumed a multivitamin preconceptionally. Women with at least a high school degree (p < 0.001), Caucasian race (p < 0.001), and those identifying the pregnancy as “planned” (p<0.001) were more likely to take a vitamin before pregnancy. By ethnicity, 86%, 76%, 71%, 67%, 50%, and 43% of Caucasian, Hispanic, African American, Asian, Native American, and Other ethnicities, respectively, were aware of nonspecific benefits of vitamin intake and prevention of congenital malformations. Even among participants who indicated general awareness of vitamins preventing birth defects, 71.5% could not identify neural tube defects (NTDs) as the malformation prevented, and 52.3% were unable to identify folic acid as the correct vitamin. Only 16.3% of total survey participants were aware of the association between folic acid intake and the prevention of NTDs, and they were more likely to have completed high school (P=0.007) and identify as Caucasian (P=0.03). There has been a modest improvement in knowledge regarding folic acid use. Patients are more likely to take a multivitamin prior to pregnancy, even if they don’t understand the potential benefit. However, there appears to have been little improvement in those who correctly identify folic acid as the vitamin that prevents NTDs. Given the well known benefits of NTD prevention, educational efforts should be intensified, and particularly targeted towards ethnic minority women with lesser degrees of education.

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.

Factors associated with folic acid knowledge and intake among pregnant women in Sudan.

Preconceptual folic acid use is known to have a protective effect against neural tube defects (NTDs). This study assessed knowledge and determinants of awareness on folic acid use among pregnant women at Omdurman Maternity Hospital, Sudan during 2014. The standardized, anonymous questionnaire was used to collect data. Almost 80% of respondents had heard of folic acid. College-educated women (92.2%) knew more about folic acid and used it more often in the pre-conceptual period (8.3%). Doctors were the commonest source of information on folic acid (62%). Fewer subjects (8.9%) knew that it prevented birth defects, and 33.8% of subjects knew that green leafy vegetables are a source of folic acid. Of all subjects, only 3.2% use it preconceptually. Supplementation of folic acid preconceptually needs to be addressed in order to reduce the rate of NTDs found in Sudan.

Knowledge and uptake of folic acid among pregnant women attending a secondary health facility in Nigeria

Background Folate deficiency is associated with poor pregnancy outcomes and is one of the most common vitamin deficiencies in women, especially those of reproductive age. Aims This study aimed to determine the level of knowledge and uptake of folic acid among a sample of pregnant women. Method A descriptive cross-sectional study, using a structured questionnaire, was carried out among 300 pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in one hospital in Oluyoro, Ibadan, Nigeria. Findings All participants claimed to have heard of folic acid and major source of information was health workers (77.3%). Only 11.8% knew that folic acid can prevent birth defects and just 22.7% knew the best time to start using folic acid. Almost all the women (98.3%) reported using folic acid in the current pregnancy, of whom 54.2% used it as prescribed. Education (P=0.002), marital status (P=0.001), plan of pregnancy (P=0.022), and maternal age (P=0.046) were significantly associated with knowledge of folic acid. Employment status was significantly associated with uptake of folic acid (P=0.004). Conclusions In this study, knowledge and uptake of folic acid was low among young, single and low education status women. Campaigns promoting periconceptional use of folic acid will be very useful in reaching women of child-bearing age particularly those pregnant and not registered for antenatal care.

Knowledge and Use of Folic Acid Among Hispanic Women Visiting University of Puerto Rico Prenatal Clinics [31J

INTRODUCTION: Neural tube defects (NTDs) are mostly caused by a deficiency of folic acid (FA). Although supplementation is recommended for all reproductive-aged women, the incidence of NTD in Puerto Rico has not significantly decreased. In this study, we aim to identify the level of awareness regarding the time to begin FA supplementation and the recommended preconceptional dosage. We also aim to correlate the source of education with the knowledge patients have about the benefits of FA. METHODS: This is a descriptive study from August 2015 to November 2015 at the Adults University Hospital High Risk Prenatal Care Clinics. A self-administered questionnaire was assessed and analyzed with Epi Info 7. RESULTS: A total of 200 patients were recruited. An 87% of participants were Puerto Rican, most had a high school education and low income status. A 66.5% of participants were taking FA at the time of the study. Of these, 77% understood that the best time to start FA supplementation was before pregnancy. However, 23% of these patients took FA preconceptionally. Most of the patients referred to have received information about FA from a health care professional. Nevertheless, many patients could not identify all of FA benefits. CONCLUSION: Although most of our patients are aware of the adequate time for FA supplementation, the majority begin intake once pregnancy is discovered. However, even though the awareness is present, the knowledge received from health care professional is not enough. Most women remain unclear about the benefits of FA supplementation.

AVillage-BasedIntervention:PromotingFolicAcid UseamongRuralChineseWomen.

Background: Folic acid supplementation is effective in reducing the risk of neural tube defects (NTDs). However, the use of folic acid is low among rural women in China. Nutrition education can provide information about folic acid and encourage its use. The primary objective of this study was to test the effectiveness of a village-based nutrition intervention on folic acid use among rural women. Methods: Sixty villages were randomly selected using multiple-stage sampling and were divided into control and intervention groups. The intervention included nutritional education at village clinics, written materials, and text messages (SMS). Folic acid use knowledge and behavior was assessed at baseline and after the intervention. Results: Self-reported compliance with folic acid supplement use increased from 17.0%–29.2% at baseline to 41.7%–59.2% one year post-intervention. During the same period, the folic acid knowledge score in the intervention group increased from 3.07 to 3.65, significantly higher than the control group (3.11 to 3.35). Multivariate binary logistic regression showed that the women who received folic acid education and SMS intervention were more likely to comply with folic acid supplement recommendations. Conclusions: The results indicated that an integrated village-based folic acid education intervention may be an effective way of promoting folic acid use for the prevention of NTDs in rural women.

Folic Acid Education for Hispanic Women: The Promotora de Salud Model.

Although rates of neural tube defects (NTDs) have declined in the United States since fortification, disparities still exist with Hispanic women having the highest risk of giving birth to a baby with a NTD. The Promotora de Salud model using community lay health workers has been shown to be an effective tool for reaching Hispanics for a variety of health topics; however, literature on its effectiveness in folic acid interventions is limited. An intervention using the Promotora de Salud model was implemented in four U.S. counties with large populations of Hispanic women. The study comprised the following: (1) a written pretest survey to establish baseline levels of folic acid awareness, knowledge, and consumption; (2) a small group education intervention along with a 90-day supply of multivitamins; and (3) a postintervention (posttest) assessment conducted 4 months following the intervention. Statistically significant differences in pre- and posttests were observed for general awareness about folic acid and vitamins and specific knowledge about the benefits of folic acid. Statistically significant changes were also seen in vitamin consumption and multivitamin consumption. Folic acid supplement consumption increased dramatically by the end of the study. The Promotora de Salud model relies on interpersonal connections forged between promotoras and the communities they serve to help drive positive health behaviors. The findings underscore the positive impact that these interpersonal connections can have on increasing awareness, knowledge, and consumption of folic acid. Utilizing the Promotora de Salud model to reach targeted populations might help organizations successfully implement their programs in a culturally appropriate manner.

Connaissance des femmes en âge de procréer sur l’acide folique : des progrès à faire !

Many trials have shown that folic acid supplementation before and during pregnancy reduces the risk of neural tube defects in general population. We investigated the knowledge of folic acid in women of child-bearing age. Women of child-bearing age were interviewed by 20pharmacists living in Haute-Garonne between January and February 2014. One hundred ninety-six women were included in the present study. Out of them, 36% of women never heard of folic acid and 82% were not aware of its benefits. Knowledge was higher in older women, women in a couple and women with higher educational level (P<10-2). This study underlines that women are not enough aware of benefits of folic acid during pregnancy. Moreover, previous studies have shown that French women have low use of folic acid during peri-conceptional period. Information of general population will be required for a better prevention of folic acid-preventable NTDs.

Knowledge and Use of Folic Acid among Women Attending the high-Risk Prenatal Clinics at the Adults University Hospital in Puerto Rico.

IntroductionPregnancies affected with neural tube defects (NTDs) are mostly associated to maternal deficiency of folic acid (FA). Although supplementation is recommended for all women of childbearing age, the incidence of NTDs in Puerto Rico has not shown a significant decrease.ObjectiveThe goal of this study was to assess the awareness and level of knowledge of FA supplementation among women attending prenatal clinics, and correlate this knowledge with the source ofinformation and the actual use of FA. A secondary objective was to corroborate or abrogatethe association of the lack of FA supplementation with the occurrence of unplanned pregnancies.MethodsThis descriptive study was conducted at the High-Risk Prenatal Care Clinicsof the Adults University Hospital from August 2015 to November 2015. The answers to a non-validated self-administered questionnaire were assessed and then analyzed with Epi Info 7.ResultsFrom a total of 200 Hispanic female participants, 87.0% were Puerto Rican, most (69.0%) had an education above high school level and 54.5% had a low-income status. Overall, 66.5% were taking FA at the time of the interview, 77% understood that the best time to start FA supplementation was prior to conception, but only 23% of the participants actually began preconceptional FA intake. Unplanned pregnancies were reported in 70.5%. Most referred to have received information about FA benefits from a healthcare professional, yet many could not identify all of FA benefits.ConclusionAlthough most participants were aware of the best time to begin FA supplementation, the majority began intake once pregnancy was discovered; timing related to the 70.5% unplanned pregnancies. Information received is not sufficient sincemost women are not entirely clear about the benefits of FA supplementation, despite their source of information. In caring for women of childbearing age, further investigation is required to optimize educational strategies and methodologies.

Peri-conceptional supplementation of folic acid-knowledge and practices of pregnant women and health providers.

Context:Neural tube defects (NTDs) are one of the most common congenital anomalies. NTDs are preventable if folic acid (FA) is supplemented before and during conception. Knowledge and supplementation of FA by pregnant women as well as it's timely provision by health providers is crucial in reducing the burden of NTDs in the community.Aim:To study the knowledge and supplementation of FA by pregnant women and it's prescription/provision by health providers.Settings and Design:A cross-sectional study was conducted in the block Doiwala, District Dehradun, Uttarakhand.Subjects and Methods:A total of 400 pregnant women and 121 government health providers (5 medical officers, 25 auxiliary nurse midwives [ANMs], and 91 accredited social health activists [ASHAs]) were interviewed on predesigned, pretested questionnaire by study/field investigator.Statistical Analysis Used:Proportion of different variables calculated and Chi-square test with Yates correction was applied.Results:Of 400, 73.50% of women had heard of FA. Overall, knowledge scores suggested intermediate to low level of knowledge about FA. Totally 94.25% of women had planned pregnancies; however, only 4.75% of women reported FA supplementation before conception. This indicates that if these women would have been properly counseled and prescribed FA, they might have taken it. About 60% of medical officers, 4% of ANMs, and 3.3% of ASHAs knew FA deficiency as one of the causes of NTD. None of the health providers reported to be prescribing/counseling FA to pregnant women. FA was out of supply on the block at the time of the study.Conclusions:Knowledge and supplementation practices related with FA are poor.

Knowledge on preconceptional folic acid supplementation and intention to seek for preconception care among men and women in an urban city: a population-based cross-sectional study.

BackgroundTo study the knowledge of a large city population on preconception folic acid supplementation and intention to seek for preconception care within an urban perinatal health program.MethodsCross-sectional surveys run in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, in 2007 and annually from 2009 to 2014. A random sample of residents aged between 16 and 85 years was taken each year from the municipal population register. Bivariate analysis, interaction analysis, trend analysis and logistic regression were performed.ResultsKnowledge on preconceptional folic acid supplementation significantly improved (+20 %) between 2007 and 2009, and the intention to consult a GP or midwife in the preconception period significantly increased (+53 %) from 2007 to 2012. Logistic regression analyses showed that low socio-economic status was significantly associated with low preconceptional folic acid knowledge, but with higher intention to seek out preconception care. An interaction effect was found between educational level and ethnicity, showing that the higher the educational level the lower the gap of level of knowledge between the different ethnic groups.ConclusionDespite campaigns about folic acid supplementation knowledge on this supplement remains low. The intention amongst men and women to seek out preconception care is still insufficient. Structural interventions to increase and maintain awareness on folic acid supplementation, especially among high-risk groups, are needed.

Knowledge of supplemental folic acid during pregnancy.

To identify the use of folic acid during pregnancy, as well as the new mothers´ knowledge about folic acid. Quantitative, descriptive exploratory, and prospective study. A total of 198 mothers were interviewed in the pediatric outpatient service of Hospital de Base Sao José do Rio Preto, Brazil. They have taken their children for neonatal screening and formally consented to participating in the study. The research project was approved by the Research Ethics Committee (350,287). A specific instrument was used for data collection. The data were entered into an appropriate spreadsheet and later statistically analyzed. Pearson´s chi-squared test, p <0.15, was used. On average, the interviewed mothers were 25 years old and received less than two minimum wages. Most had prenatal in the first quartile and a mean of seven appointments, starting the use of folic acid from the 7th to the 9th week of gestational age. However, when asked about the importance of folic acid and its action, almost the majority was not able to answer. Although daily acid supplementation is recommended in prenatal care, this study found that consumption is inadequate, contributing to the increased risk of fetal malformation. Healthcare professionals, especially nurses, should develop educational activities for women about the use of folic acid in the pre-gestation period and in the first pregnancy trimester.

Why do women invest in pre-pregnancy health and care? A qualitative investigation with women attending maternity services.

BackgroundDespite the importance attributed to good pre-pregnancy care and its potential to improve pregnancy and child health outcomes, relatively little is known about why women invest in pre-pregnancy health and care. We sought to gain insight into why women invested in pre-pregnancy health and care.MethodsWe carried out 20 qualitative in-depth interviews with pregnant or recently pregnant women who were drawn from a survey of antenatal clinic attendees in London, UK. Interviewees were purposively sampled to include high and low investors in pre-pregnancy health and care, with variation in age, partnership status, ethnicity and pre-existing medical conditions. Data analysis was conducted using the Framework method.ResultsWe identified three groups in relation to pre-pregnancy health and care: 1) The “prepared” group, who had high levels of pregnancy planning and mostly positive attitudes to micronutrient supplementation outside of pregnancy, carried out pre-pregnancy activities such as taking folic acid and making changes to diet and lifestyle. 2) The “poor knowledge” group, who also had high levels of pregnancy planning, did not carry out pre-pregnancy activities and described themselves as having poor knowledge. Elsewhere in their interviews they expressed a strong dislike of micronutrient supplementation. 3) The “absent pre-pregnancy period” group, had the lowest levels of pregnancy planning and also expressed anti-supplement views. Even discussing the pre-pregnancy period with this group was difficult as responses to questions quickly shifted to focus on pregnancy itself. Knowledge of folic acid was poor in all groups.ConclusionDifferent pre-pregnancy care approaches are likely to be needed for each of the groups. Among the “prepared” group, who were proactive and receptive to health messages, greater availability of information and better response from health professionals could improve the range of pre-pregnancy activities carried out. Among the “poor knowledge” group, better response from health professionals might yield greater uptake of pre-pregnancy information. A different, general health strategy might be more appropriate for the “absent pre-pregnancy period” group. The fact that general attitudes to micronutrient supplementation were closely related to whether or not women invested in pre-pregnancy health and care was an unanticipated finding and warrants further investigation.

Ohio pharmacy students’ knowledge of folic acid and neural tube defects

To evaluate Ohio pharmacy students’ knowledge about folic acid for the prevention of neural tube defects (NTDs), a 15-item multiple-choice survey was sent electronically to pharmacy students in their final year of study at all accredited pharmacy programs in the state. The survey, previously utilized to assess knowledge of folic acid in non-pharmacist health care provider groups, was adapted with permission from researchers at the National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the March of Dimes. The cover letter did not disclose the topic of the survey. The survey was completed anonymously. A link at the conclusion of the survey directed students to the CDC website for further information about folic acid. In total, 147 pharmacy students completed the survey. Nearly 99% of survey respondents knew that folic acid can prevent birth defects, and of those, 86% could correctly specify NTDs. However, students were not able to consistently identify food sources, recommended doses, or timing of folic acid intake to prevent NTDs. Sources of information about folic acid included didactic (86%) and experiential (44%) education. Among this sample of pharmacy students, most were aware of folic acid for prevention of NTDs. However, some gaps in knowledge remain. More robust evaluations of pharmacy students’ knowledge of folic acid and NTDs should be performed and educational interventions implemented as needed. Pharmacy educators must ensure students receive information necessary to promote prevention and improve public health.

Predicting folic acid intake among college students.

Annually in the United States, approximately 3,000 babies are born with neural tube defects (NTDs). Folic acid supplementation can reduce NTDs by 50% to 70%. Despite recommendations for folic acid intake, only 30% of women ages 18 to 24 report folic acid supplementation and 6% have knowledge of when to take folic acid. There is little information regarding lifestyle factors that correlate with consuming folic acid. The purpose was to describe folic acid consumption among college students; and explore the relationship between folic acid intake and the variables of: age, gender, year in college, alcohol and tobacco use, and vitamin supplement intake. This was a descriptive study with secondary analysis of data from 1,921 college-aged student participants in North Carolina who took part in a pretest/posttest-designed intervention to increase folic acid consumption and knowledge. Surveys included demographic, lifestyle, folic acid knowledge, and consumption questions adapted from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention questionnaire. Quantitative analyses included descriptive statistics and logistic regression. Of the 1,921 college students, 83.3% reported taking a vitamin supplement, but only 47.6% stated that the vitamin contained folic acid. A relationship was found between age, year in school, gender, and vitamin intake. Lifestyle variables were not significant predictors of folic acid consumption. Identification of variables associated with folic acid intake, marketing, and education can be focused to increase supplementation levels, and ultimately reduce the number of NTDs.

Folic acid and neural tube defects: are Jordanian pregnant women aware?

Objectives: To assess Jordanian pregnant women’s awareness of folic acid and its contribution to neural tube defects (NTDs) prevention and to their folic acid intake. Materials and Methods: One thousand pregnant women were interviewed about their knowledge of folic acid for NTDs prevention and their folic acid intake using a questionnaire. Results: Of 1,000 women surveyed, 93.4% reported hearing of folic acid and 30.3% of NTDs. Only 16.2% knew that folic acid can reduce NTDs risk; 42.0% of those aware of folic acid believed it should be taken periconceptionally but only 16.9% did so. The most common information sources on folic acid were physicians (82.8%). Conclusions: Whereas a large percentage of pregnant Jordanian women were aware of folic acid, only a small proportion are aware that it prevents NTDs and should be taken periconceptionally. Also, there was a gap between awareness, knowledge, and intake of folic acid. Awareness and knowledge of NTDs was less prevalent among Jordanian women. Despite the efforts that have been undertaken, further effort is required to educate Jordanian women about folic acid contribution to NTDs prevention.

Impact of an Online Educational Program on Pharmacy Students’ Knowledge of Folic Acid and Neural Tube Defects

Purpose: Pharmacy students must receive adequate training regarding folic acid for the prevention of neural tube defects (NTDs). Pharmacy students’ knowledge should be evaluated and effective methods utilized to improve it, if needed. The objective of this study was to assess baseline knowledge among third-year students in a 0-6 Doctor of Pharmacy program and to evaluate the impact of an online educational video. Methods: Baseline knowledge was assessed by a pretest adapted with permission from the March of Dimes (MOD). Students watched a 30-minute MOD video and completed a posttest. Nine months later, students completed a longitudinal posttest. Analysis of variance was used to assess differences in the percentage of correct responses to each question. Results: A total of 133 (90.5%) students completed the educational program and 105 (78.9%) completed the longitudinal test. Statistically significant improvements in knowledge from baseline were seen for 9 of 10 questions on the posttest and for 6 of 10 questions on the longitudinal test. Conclusion: Online videos are tools to teach pharmacy students key information regarding folic acid and NTD; however, material should be reinforced in experiential education as well. Counseling women of childbearing potential about folic acid fulfills an important public health need.

Use of folic acid among pregnant women attending antenatal care clinic at Al-Hejrah primary health care center, Makkah Al-Mokarramah, Saudi Arabia.

Background: In KSA, there was an apparent decline in the incidence of NTDs after the folic acid flour fortification. However, the incidence is still high, and usually associated with serious morbidity. Aims & Objective: To assess the level of knowledge about folic acid supplements and its associated factors as well as to estimate the prevalence folic acid intake during first trimester of pregnancy among pregnant women attending antenatal care clinic at Al-Hejrah primary health care center, Makkah Al-Mokarramah, 2012. Materials and Methods: It was a cross-sectional analytic study included a systematic random sample of pregnant women who attended Al-Hejrah primary health care center, Makkah at the time of conducting the study in 2012. An interview Arabic questionnaire to assess maternal knowledge and use of folic acid was prepared by the researcher and revised by supervisor. Validation during pilot study was assaulted. It is consists of 17 questions covering 2 parts; socio demographic features and general knowledge of folic acid with its coexisting conditions. Results: The study included 66 pregnant women. Their age ranged between 18 and 41 years with a mean of 29±6.7 years. All were Saudi. Among more than two-thirds of them (69.7%), physician was the source of information followed by internet (33.4%) and TV (19.7%). Almost two-thirds (65.2%) of participated pregnant women had sufficient knowledge about the importance of folic acid supplementation during pregnancy. Pregnant women who read about folic acid and those having more sources of information about importance of folic acid intake during pregnancy had sufficient knowledge about it. The majority of pregnant women had taken folic acid during pregnancy (81.8%). Conclusion: The results of this study showed that the level of knowledge about folic acid and its importance during pregnancy among pregnant women attended Al-Hejrah primary health care center are satisfactory. However, additional measures directed at understanding folic acid usefulness and promoting folic acid awareness and consumption among all non-pregnant Saudi women of childbearing age are warranted.

Folic Acid Knowledge Level and Usage Among Women in Reproductive Age

Aim: In the present study, we aimed to evaluate the use of folic acid and associated factors among pregnant women as well as women of reproductive age who visit our hospital for medical examination. Materials and Methods: A survey consisting of questions on folic acid use and sociodemographic data was applied to 665 patients of reproductive age (18-49 years of age) who admitted to Obstetrics, Gynecology and Family Health polyclinics between November and January 2013. Results: %51.4 of the patients reported not visiting their doctor when considering pregnancy (before discontinuing birth control), 53.2% reported not using folic acid prior to pregnancy, 23.5% reported not using as no one recommended, 26.9% reported not using as they were not informed about the drug, 46.9% reported never having heard of folic acid, 17.4% reported not knowing whether folic acid is beneficial, 78.2% reported considering it beneficial, 38.3% reported knowing that it prevents disabilities of the infant, 48.6% reported not knowing what it is good for, 13% reported knowing that it's beneficial for the mother, 48.6% reported not knowing when to use it, 34.2% reported using upon recommendation by the general practitioner, 10.6% reported using upon recommendation by the obstetrician, 8.2% reported using recommendation by the midwife-nurse, 59.5% reported using various medicinal products during pregnancy, 29.5% reported using no medicinal products. Conclusion: Considering that neural tube defects (NTD) incidence is relatively high in our country, it is thought that women of reproductive age lack adequate levels of information about NTD and folic acid use, and that even healthcare professional with good knowledge on the subject do not use high levels of folic acid during the period before pregnancy. The insufficient use of folic acid prior to pregnancy suggests that women of reproductive age should be informed about the folic acid in further detail. For this purpose, the first-line healthcare professionals -midwives, nurses and general practitioners- whom the patients make first contact should be trained to inform patients and these professionals should work with an attempt to raise awareness about the effect of folic acid in preventing NTD.

Knowledge and periconceptional use of folic acid for the prevention of neural tube defects in ethnic communities in the United Kingdom: Systematic review and meta‐analysis

BACKGROUND: It is widely accepted that periconceptional supplementation with folic acid can prevent a significant proportion of neural tube defects (NTDs). The present study evaluated how folic acid knowledge and periconceptional use for NTD prevention varies by ethnicity in the United Kingdom (U.K.).METHODS: A literature search was conducted to identify studies that included assessment of folic acid knowledge or use in U.K. women of different ethnicities. Only research and referenced sources published after 1991, the year of the landmark Medical Research Council’s Vitamin Study, were included. A meta-analysis was performed of studies that assessed preconceptional folic acid use in Caucasians and non-Caucasians.RESULTS: Five studies met the inclusion criteria for assessment of knowledge and/or use of folic acid supplements in U.K. women including non-Caucasians. The available evidence indicates that South Asians specifically have less knowledge and lower periconceptional use of folic acid than Caucasians; one study found that West Indian and African women also had lower folic acid uptake. A synthesis of results from three of the studies, in a meta-analysis, shows that Caucasians are almost three times more likely to take folic acid before conception than non-Caucasians.CONCLUSION: From the limited evidence available, U.K. women of non-Caucasian ethnicity appear to have less knowledge and a lower uptake of folic acid supplementation than Caucasians during the periconceptional period. Implementing targeted, innovative education campaigns together with a mandatory fortification policy, including the fortification of ethnic minority foods, will be required for maximum prevention of folic acid–preventable NTDs across different ethnic groups. Birth Defects Research (Part A) 97:444–451, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.