Awareness and use of folic acid among women of childbearing age in Benue State, Nigeria

Abstract

Introduction every year in Nigeria 12,695 babies are born with neural tube defects. Folic acid reduces the risk of neural tube defect by about 50% among peri-conceptional users. We conducted this study to determine the awareness and use of folic acid among women of childbearing age in Benue State, Nigeria. Methods we conducted a cross-sectional study among women attending selected among six secondary health facilities in Benue State using a multi-stage sampling technique. We interviewed 586 women aged 15-49 years using structured questionnaires to obtain information on awareness and use of folic acid. We performed univariate, bivariate and multivariate analysis at 5% significance. Results interviewed 586 women with the mean age 27 ± 6.9 years; 281(48%) were aware of folic acid as a supplement, 178 (30.4%) knew the dietary source of folic acid while 152 (26%) knew the benefit of folic acid. The commonest source of information was health professionals [195 (51%)]. Only 221 (37.7%) used folic acid, 14 (1.7%) of them using it within the first trimester. The commonest reason why women did not take folic acid as supplement was unpleasant smell [124 (21%)]. Awareness of folic acid benefit (OR: 6, 95%CI = 3.9-8.8), level of education (OR: 2.0, 95%CI = 1.2-3.3) and employment status (OR: 1.6, 95%CI= 1.1-22) were significantly associated with folic acid use. Awareness of folic acid use was an independent predictor of folic acid use (AOR: 7.9 95%Cl: 5.3-11.7). Conclusion awareness and use of folic acid among women of childbearing age was low. Awareness is a predictor of folic acid use. We recommend the promotion of awareness and use of folic acid in pregnant women.

Awareness of Folic Acid Intake among Women of Childbearing Age in Ha’il region, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

“…However, they didn't specify what kind of birth defects FA prevents. Similarly, a study done in Nigeria showed that 25.9% were aware that FA hindered the development of NTDs [27]. Similar results were obtained from research done in Ha'il in 2013, which revealed that 81% of women knew that FA has a role in preventing NTDs [5].…”

Level of Knowledge and Awareness of Female Undergraduate Students and Determinants of Knowledge of Folic Acid and Supplementation

“…A survey conducted in Korea showed that 65.6% of surveyed women had heard of FA before pregnancy, and 26.4% reported on the pre-conceptional use of FA [ 9 ]. 9 In some other studies, the knowledge regarding FA need varied from 34.0% to over 67% [ 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 ]. However, despite their knowledge, few women, as low as 9.4% in some studies to as much as 46.3% in others, in their childbearing age take FA supplements [ 11 , 13 , 15 ].…”

“…9 In some other studies, the knowledge regarding FA need varied from 34.0% to over 67% [ 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 ]. However, despite their knowledge, few women, as low as 9.4% in some studies to as much as 46.3% in others, in their childbearing age take FA supplements [ 11 , 13 , 15 ].…”

“…Women with a university degree or higher education were found to be more likely to be aware of FA and use FA in the preconception period [ 9 , 10 , 13 ]. Other factors that were found to be associated with knowledge and awareness of FA included higher household income and being employed [ 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 ].…”

“…Women with a university degree or higher education were found to be more likely to be aware of FA and use FA in the preconception period [ 9 , 10 , 13 ]. Other factors that were found to be associated with knowledge and awareness of FA included higher household income and being employed [ 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 ]. On the other hand, women aged 19–24 years, unmarried women, unemployed housewives, women with a high school diploma or lower educational level, women who had experienced unplanned pregnancy and women who had never been pregnant were likely to be aware and knowledgeable of FA or consume FA supplements [ 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 ].…”