title: Knowledge and use of periconceptual folic acid supplements by British Forces Germany personnel and dependents.
abstract: Periconceptual dietary folic acid supplementation reduces the incidence of neural tube defects (NTDs). Their use has been advocated by the Chief Medical Officer (CMO), the Consultant Advisor in Obstetrics & Gynaecology (O&G), the Senior Consultant in O&G British Forces in Germany (BFG) and by Medical Administration & Technical Instruction (MA&TI) in all NAAFI outlets. An audit of awareness of the recommendations and use of such supplements amongst pregnant women in BFG was performed over a 12 week period in BMH Rinteln. 16.6% (5/6) and 17.6% (34/193) of those with and without a history of a pregnancy affected by a NTD respectively had taken the correct dose before conception. Knowledge of and compliance with the recommendations is poor. An opportunity to positively influence health in a "captive" population is being lost.
authors.affiliation: British Military Hospital, Rinteln.
authors.forename: L J
authors.initials: LJ
authors.lastname: Roberts
mesh_terms: D005260:Female; D005492:Folic Acid / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D005527:Food, Fortified; D005858:Germany; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008889:Military Personnel; D009436:Neural Tube Defects / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011247:Pregnancy; D006113:United Kingdom
chemical_list: D005492:Folic Acid