College women's awareness and consumption of folic acid for the prevention of neural tube defects.
OBJECTIVE
Awareness and consumption of folic acid in the context of neural tube defect prevention among college women were assessed.


METHODS
Subjects documented folic acid awareness and multivitamin consumption. Beliefs about folic acid before and after an educational intervention were characterized using the Health Belief Model (HBM) and the Fetal Health Locus of Control Scale (FHLCS).


RESULTS
Awareness of folic acid was not associated with multivitamin consumption. Belief variables were not associated with awareness or consumption of folic acid.


CONCLUSIONS
This study does not support educational interventions based on the HBM or FHLCS to increase multivitamin consumption among college women.
Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond 23298-0037, USA.
J M
JM
Quillin
J
J
Silberg
P
P
Board
L
L
Pratt
J
J
Bodurtha
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D005260:Female; D005492:Folic Acid / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009436:Neural Tube Defects / Q000517:prevention & control*; D016742:Preconception Care; D011247:Pregnancy; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014815:Vitamins / Q000627:therapeutic use
D014815:Vitamins; D005492:Folic Acid