Promoting pre-conceptional use of folic acid to Hispanic women: a social marketing approach.
OBJECTIVE
To develop a culturally appropriate communication initiative in an effort to promote the use of pre-conceptional folic acid among Hispanic women of childbearing age. The materials were designed to communicate information about the risks of neural tube defects and the value of folic acid supplementation before conception.


METHODS
The initiative was developed using a social marketing approach. A series of focus groups were conducted with Hispanic women, particularly Mexican and Mexican-American women, to gain an understanding of their knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors regarding birth defects and folic acid. Additionally focus groups assessed women's preferences for existing folic acid education materials. Qualitative analysis of coded transcripts revealed key themes which were incorporated into a multi-media initiative.


RESULTS
Critical themes of the research highlighted the need to include the role of partners and a sense of family in the promotions aimed at these groups. Another key component was the need to dispel myths which act as barriers to pre-conceptional folic acid use. Other important elements included in the media products were the need for Spanish and English versions, an explanation of neural tube defects, and a reference to the cost of the supplements.


CONCLUSIONS
The final products of the initiative included Spanish and English versions of a brochure, photo-novella, and radio public service announcement. Pre-testing results showed women understood the message, thought the message was for women like them, and expected to begin taking a folic acid supplement. Results of the overall evaluation of the initiative are on-going.
Quinn
Gwendolyn P
GP
Department of Interdisciplinary Oncology, University of South Florida College of Medicine, Tampa, Florida 33612, USA. gquinn@health.usf.edu
Hauser
Kimberlea
K
Bell-Ellison
Bethany A
BA
Rodriguez
Nydia Y
NY
Frías
Jaime L
JL
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D005492:Folic Acid / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000379:methods*; D006630:Hispanic or Latino; D006801:Humans; D008429:Maternal Welfare; D009436:Neural Tube Defects / Q000517:prevention & control; D011634:Public Health; D040241:Social Marketing; D014803:Vitamin B Complex / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D014803:Vitamin B Complex; D005492:Folic Acid