title: [Prevention of neural tube defects: prevalence of folic acid supplementation during pregnancy and associated factors in Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil].
abstract: To determine folic acid use and associated factors, a cross-sectional population-based study was conducted in all five maternity hospitals in Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil. Data were collected from April 1 to August 15, 2006 (n = 1,450 women). A standard questionnaire was applied in the hospitals. Statistical analysis used Poisson regression. Prevalence of folic acid consumption during pregnancy was 31.8%, and periconceptional use was 4.3%. The following were associated with folic acid use: white skin color, schooling > 9 years, family income > R$600, age > 30 years, planned pregnancy, > or =7 prenatal visits, knowledge on folic acid, and prenatal care in the private health system. In order to prevent neural tube defects, it is important to promote folic acid use among childbearing-age women and to supply folic acid to poor women.
authors.affiliation: Mestrado em Saúde e Comportamento, Universidade Católica de Pelotas, Rua Almirante Barroso 1202, Pelotas, RS, Brazil. cintiamezzomo@terra.com.br
authors.forename: Cíntia Leal Sclowitz
authors.initials: CL
authors.lastname: Mezzomo
authors.forename: Gilberto de Lima
authors.initials: Gde L
authors.lastname: Garcias
authors.forename: Marcelo Leal
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Sclowitz
authors.forename: Iandora Timm
authors.initials: IT
authors.lastname: Sclowitz
authors.forename: Clarice Brinck
authors.initials: CB
authors.lastname: Brum
authors.forename: Tiago
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Fontana
authors.forename: Ricardo Issler
authors.initials: RI
authors.lastname: Unfried
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D001938:Brazil; D002648:Child; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D005260:Female; D005492:Folic Acid / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009436:Neural Tube Defects / Q000517:prevention & control*; D016012:Poisson Distribution; D011247:Pregnancy; D011295:Prenatal Care; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D014803:Vitamin B Complex / Q000008:administration & dosage*
chemical_list: D014803:Vitamin B Complex; D005492:Folic Acid