Folic acid knowledge and use among expectant mothers in 1997: a comparison with 1996.
This study examined changes in folic acid knowledge and use among antenatal women in Dublin maternity hospitals between 1996 and 1997, following a campaign to improve the very low uptake of peri-conceptional folic acid. The results showed significant improvements between the two years. Almost 76% of respondents had heard of folic acid in 1997 compared with 54% in 1996 (p < 0.01), with a shift in the proportion of people hearing of folic acid from hospital doctors to general practitioners (GP). Almost 43% of respondents in 1997 knew that folic acid can prevent spina bifida compared with 21% in 1996 (p < 0.01). A higher proportion was taking folic acid prior to conception in 1997 (16% vs 6%, p < 0.01). We conclude that the improvements may have been in part due to the promotional campaign among health professionals, women's groups and the media. However, less than a fifth of women were taking folic acid peri-conceptionally in 1997 and there is still scope for much improvement.
Health Information Unit Eastern Health Board, Dr. Steeven's Hospital, Dublin. bmcdonnell@ehbhiu.iol.ie
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McDonnell
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Johnson
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Doyle
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Sayers
D000328:Adult; D003710:Demography; D005260:Female; D005492:Folic Acid / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006801:Humans; D007494:Ireland; D017533:Marital Status; D009775:Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Hospital; D010298:Parity; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011295:Prenatal Care
D005492:Folic Acid