Folic acid supplementation in younger and older nonpregnant women of reproductive age: findings from the Central Pennsylvania Women's Health Study (CePAWHS).
BACKGROUND
This study explores variables associated with daily folic acid supplementation among nonpregnant women ages 18-24, in comparison with women ages 25-45. Health-related behaviors, reproductive status, health care access, and sociodemographic variables are included.


METHODS
Data are from a cross-sectional population-based survey of 2,002 women ages 18-45 in the Central Pennsylvania Women's Health Study. The analytic sample included 246 women ages 18-24 and 1,636 women ages 25-45 who were not pregnant at the time of survey.


RESULTS
Seventeen percent of women ages 18-24 and 27% of women ages 24-45 used daily folic acid supplements. In multiple logistic regression analysis, folic acid use was significantly associated with only two variables among younger women: fruit consumption at least daily and regular physical activity levels meeting recommended guidelines. Among older women, folic acid use was associated with these same two health-related behaviors in addition to not smoking, seeing an obstetrician-gynecologist, receiving diet/nutrition counseling, being married or living with a partner, and no prior pregnancy. Folic acid use was not associated with pregnancy intention in either age group.


CONCLUSIONS
Women ages 18-24 have significantly lower rates of folic acid supplementation compared with older women of reproductive age, but fewer variables are associated with folic acid use among younger women. Missed opportunities to educate younger women about the benefits of folic acid supplementation are identified.
Evans
Laura
L
Department of Public Health Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, College of Medicine, 600 Centerview Drive, A210, Hershey, PA 17033, USA. levans@hmc.psu.edu
Weisman
Carol S
CS
D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D019587:Dietary Supplements / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D005492:Folic Acid / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000458:organization & administration; D006801:Humans; D007389:Internal-External Control; D016015:Logistic Models; D008875:Middle Aged; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D010414:Pennsylvania / Q000453:epidemiology; D016742:Preconception Care / Q000379:methods; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014803:Vitamin B Complex / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D016387:Women's Health; D055815:Young Adult
D014803:Vitamin B Complex; D005492:Folic Acid