Discussing Appropriate Medication Use and Multivitamin Intake with a Healthcare Provider: An Examination of Two Elements of Preconception Care Among Latinas

Abstract

Background Counseling for appropriate medication use and folic acid consumption are elements of preconception care critical for improving pregnancy outcomes. Hispanic women receive less preconception care than women of other race/ethnic groups. The objective of this analysis is to describe differences in these two elements of preconception care among Hispanic subsegments. Materials and Methods Porter Novelli's 2013 Estilos survey was sent to 2,609 U.S. Hispanic adults of the Offerwise QueOpinas Panel. Surveys were completed by 1,000 individuals (calculated response rate 42%), and results were weighted to the 2012 U.S. Census Hispanic proportions for sex, age, income, household size, education, region, country of origin, and acculturation. Responses were analyzed with weighted descriptive statistics, linear regression, and Rao–Scott chi-square tests. Results Of the 499 female respondents, 248 had a child under the age of 18 years and were asked about healthcare provider discussions concerning medication use before or during their last pregnancy. Timing of discussions varied by maternal age, marital status, income, youngest child's country of birth, and acculturation. Discussions before pregnancy were reported by 47% of the female respondents; high acculturated women more often reported never having such discussions. Among female respondents, 320 were of reproductive age, and 27% of those reported daily multivitamin use. Multivitamin use varied by pregnancy intention and youngest child's country of birth, but did not vary significantly by acculturation. Conclusions Differences in discussions concerning medication use in pregnancy and multivitamin use exist among Hispanic subsegments based on pregnancy intention, marital status, income, youngest child's country of birth, and level of acculturation.