Preconception of folic acid supplementation knowledge among Ethiopian women reproductive age group in areas with high burden of neural tube defects: a community based cross-sectional study

Begashaw, Beyene; Tariku, Zerihun; Berhane, Anteneh

doi:10.1017/jns.2022.32

Cited by 3 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 34 publications

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“…Hence, FA intake before conception and during the first trimester of pregnancy (periconceptional period) is vital to reduce the risk of developing NTDs (Dessie et al, 2017). However, previous studies conducted in different parts of the world have reported that majority of participating women had poor knowledge of the role of FA regarding prevention of NTDs (Nosrat, 2012;Alanazi et al, 2021;Begashaw et al, 2022). The same is true for Sri Lanka, where a study focusing on knowledge about preconceptual use of FA using pregnant and non-pregnant women, revealed that participants' knowledge related to preconceptual use of FA was significantly low (Pathiraja & Prathapan., 2020).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Knowledge and Practices on Periconceptional use of Folic Acid for the Prevention of Neural Tube Defects Among Women in Childbearing Age in Boralesgamuwa Medical Officer of Health Area, Sri Lanka

Ariyadasa,

Nandana,

Bogahawaththa

et al. 2023

Sri Lankan J. Nurs.

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Introduction: Neural Tube Defects (NTD) remain a major public health burden globally. It is widely acknowledged that folic acid plays a vital role to reduce the risk of developing NTDs. The study aimed to determine knowledge, and practice regarding periconceptional use of folic acid for the prevention of NTD among women in childbearing age at Boralesgamuwa Medical Officer of Health (MOH) area, Sri Lanka.Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out among randomly selected 422 women in childbearing age in the said MOH area. Data were collected through a pre-tested interviewer administered questionnaire. The overall knowledge level was classified as adequate (>75%), moderately adequate (50-75%) and inadequate (<50%).Results: Out of 422 participants, the majority was Sinhalese (95.7%), married (66.8%) and unemployed (62.1%). Mean age was 32.02 ±8.625 years. Nearly 56 % had heard about NTDs and 95.5% had heard about folic acid. A majority (279, 66.1%) had ‘inadequate’ level of knowledge, 120 (28.4%) had ‘moderately adequate’ knowledge and only 5.5% (n=23) had ‘adequate’ knowledge. Approximately 60% had taken folic acid and out of them only 42.4% had started folic acid before pregnancy. Age (p<0.001), marital status (p<0.001), parity (p<0.001), educational qualification of participants (p<0.001), monthly household income (p=0.004) and where health services sought from (p <0.001) were associated with the level of knowledge.Conclusions: Majority of participants had inadequate knowledge regarding periconceptional use of folic acid for the prevention of NTDs. However, out of those who have used FA, majority had started to take it before pregnancy. The study findings warrant more educational programmes on the topic bridging the gap of knowledge among women in childbearing age in the study setting.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Knowledge and Practices on Periconceptional use of Folic Acid for the Prevention of Neural Tube Defects Among Women in Childbearing Age in Boralesgamuwa Medical Officer of Health Area, Sri Lanka

Ariyadasa,

Nandana,

Bogahawaththa

et al. 2023

Sri Lankan J. Nurs.

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The Influence of Risk Factors on the Development of Birth Defects Among Newborns in Lviv Region (Ukraine) in 2002–2022 (Part 2)

Hnateiko,

Kitsera,

Henyk-Berezovska

et al. 2024

Proc Shevchenko Sci Soc Med Sci

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Introduction. Birth defects (BDs) are an essential public health issue in children; the identification of probable risk factors should be a priority for the healthcare system. Objectives: This study aimed to determine the probable risk factors for “model” BDs in newborns. Methods. We collected and analyzed clinical-epidemiological and medical-statistic data from the primary records of children with BDs born in 2002–2022 using the “case-control” method, filling out the registration cards in maternity hospitals of Lviv Region (Ukraine). Results. There were 1,279 healthy newborns’ cards and 1,286 cards of newborns with BDs filled out. No significant difference was found in terms of body weight, height, head circumference, and chest circumference (p>0.05) among children with BDs and the control group. The age of mothers with children affected by BD was 27.3±6.1 years and had no statistically significant difference from the age of mothers of children in the control group - 25.6±7.2 years (p>0.05). Mothers who gave birth to children with BDs used drugs in the preconception period [OR=2.46; 95% CI: 1.75; 3.44] and the first trimester of pregnancy [OR=4.76; 95% CI: 3.18; 7.14] significantly more often (p<0.05) compared to mothers in the control group. Pre-pregnancy preparations were adequately conducted by 278 (21.6%) women who gave birth to children with BDs, which was statistically different from 563 (44%) women in the control group (p<0.05) [OR=2.85; 95% CI: 2.39; 3.39]. Conclusions. More efforts are necessary to identify drug safety issues during pregnancy and to improve the current information system for clinical practice.

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Spina Bifida Prevention: A Narrative Review of Folic Acid Supplements for Childbearing Age Women

Ledet III,

Plaisance,

Daniel

et al. 2024

Cureus

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Neural tube defects (NTDs) are malformations that occur during embryonic development, and they account for most central nervous system birth anomalies. Genetic and environmental factors have been shown to play a role in the etiology of NTDs. The different types of NTDs are classified according to anatomic location and severity of the defect, with most of the neural axis anomalies occurring in the caudal spinal or cranial areas. Spina bifida is a type of NTD that is characterized by an opening in the vertebral arch, and the level of severity is determined by the extent to which the neural tissue protrudes through the opened arch(es). Prevention of NTDs by administration of folic acid has been studied and described in the literature, yet there are approximately 300,000 cases of NTDs that occur annually, with 88,000 deaths occurring per year worldwide. A daily intake of at least 400 μg of folic acid is recommended especially for women of childbearing age. To provide the benefits of folic acid, prenatal vitamins are recommended in pregnancy, and many countries have been fortifying foods such as cereal grain products with folic acid; however, not all countries have instituted folic acid fortification programs. The present investigation includes a description of the pharmacology of folic acid, neural tube formation, defects such as spina bifida, and the relevance of folic acid to developing spina bifida. Women's knowledge and awareness of folic acid regarding its importance in the prevention of spina bifida is a major factor in reducing incidence worldwide.

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Preconception of folic acid supplementation knowledge among Ethiopian women reproductive age group in areas with high burden of neural tube defects: a community based cross-sectional study

Cited by 3 publications

References 34 publications

Knowledge and Practices on Periconceptional use of Folic Acid for the Prevention of Neural Tube Defects Among Women in Childbearing Age in Boralesgamuwa Medical Officer of Health Area, Sri Lanka

Knowledge and Practices on Periconceptional use of Folic Acid for the Prevention of Neural Tube Defects Among Women in Childbearing Age in Boralesgamuwa Medical Officer of Health Area, Sri Lanka

The Influence of Risk Factors on the Development of Birth Defects Among Newborns in Lviv Region (Ukraine) in 2002–2022 (Part 2)

Spina Bifida Prevention: A Narrative Review of Folic Acid Supplements for Childbearing Age Women

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