EVALUATION OF KNOWLEDGE OF PREGNANT WOMEN ABOUT THE USE OF FOLIC ACID SUPPLEMENTS TO PREVENT NEURAL TUBE DEFECTS IN NEWBORNS
Main Article Content
Keywords
Folic Acid, Pregnancy, Birth Defects, Knowledge
Abstract
Background
The aim of the study is to evaluate the knowledge level of pregnant women attending a gynecology ward regarding the significance of folic acid that may deduct neural tube defects (NTDs) in newborns. Infant death and impairment are primarily caused by neural tube abnormalities. Pregnancy-related folate insufficiency has been connected to their incidence. Use of folate throughout pregnancy has been demonstrated to dramatically lower their incidence. It is essential to recognize this association in order to take the proper preventative action.
Methodology
This study utilized cross-sectional design to collect data from 80 pregnant women aged 18-45 visiting the gynecology ward at Arif Memorial Teaching Hospital, Lahore. A self-administered questionnaire was employed after review from 3 experts to collect data on demographics as well as knowledge about folic acid supplementation. The data analysis was done by applying SPSS version 23.0, which involved descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation to identify patterns and relationships.
Results
Participants in the study had significant gaps in their knowledge of folic acid and pregnancy; 40.8% were categorized as having poor knowledge, 30.2% as having moderate knowledge, and 29% as having high information. The use of folic acid supplements was positively correlated (r = 0.249, p = 0.026) with pregnancy, suggesting that women who started taking it before becoming pregnant were more likely to continue doing so. However, there was no significant correlation between preconception folic acid use and knowledge of the supplement's potential to prevent neural tube defects (r = -0.093, p = 0.414) or between folic acid use during pregnancy and knowledge of this relationship (r = -0.049, p = 0.664). To close these knowledge gaps and encourage appropriate folic acid supplementation practices during pregnancy, these findings highlight the critical need for focused educational efforts.
Conclusion
A comparison with existing research revealed inconsistent knowledge levels and awareness. Therefore, the study emphasizes the need for targeted educational programs to enhance maternal and child health outcomes and reduce NTD incidence. Healthcare providers and public health initiatives play an important part in promoting conscious of folic acid supplementation and its crucial role in prenatal care.
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Mariya Tahir
Lecturer, Rashid Latif Medical Complex,
Vaneeza Yaseen
Nursing Intern, Arif Memorial Teaching Hospita
Rao Muhammad Tariq
Nursing Intern, Arif Memorial Teaching Hospital
Iraj Akram
Nursing Intern, Arif Memorial Teaching Hospital
Aizaz Ahmad Shehzad
Nursing Intern, Arif Memorial Teaching Hospital