scholarly journals Prevalence of Folic Acid Supplementation by Pregnant Women in Vietnam (P10-102-19)

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Anh Ha ◽  
Yun Zhao ◽  
Colin W Binns ◽  
Andy Lee
Keyword(s):  
Folic Acid ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Neural Tube ◽  
Outcome Variable ◽  
Binary Outcome ◽  
Folic Acid Supplement ◽  
Regular User ◽  
Maternal Characteristics ◽  
Formal Employment ◽  
Multivitamin Supplements

Abstract Objectives To determine the prevalence of folic acid supplement use and associated maternal characteristics in Vietnam. Methods A multicentre cohort study to which logistics regression analyses were used to explore factors that determined whether folic acid was taken. Folic acid usage was assessed via face-to-face interviews with 2030 pregnant women at 24–28th week of gestation in Hanoi, Haiphong and Hochiminh City, Vietnam during 2015–2017. Given that the multivitamin supplements available in Vietnam contain folic acid, the first binary outcome variable was defined as the use of either folic acid or multivitamin supplements for the entire first six months of pregnancy (1 = regular user, 0 = non-regular user). The second binary outcome variable was defined as the use of folic acid supplement only for the entire first six months of pregnancy (1 = regular user, 0 = non-regular user). For both outcomes, the ‘non-regular user’ group included participants who never consumed the supplement (non-users) and those users who took the tablets for less than the six-month pregnancy period. Information on maternal characteristics was also obtained during the baseline interview, including age, formal employment, education level, parity, pre-pregnancy BMI, and planned pregnancy. Results The proportions of pregnant women who reported getting folic acid for the entire first six months of pregnancy was low at 25.8% for either folic acid or multivitamin supplements, and 20.1% for folic acid supplements only. This means that almost 75–80% of mothers did not take folic acid during the first trimester of pregnancy, leaving almost all Vietnamese mothers unprotected against neural tube defects. Women aged 30–34 years and those with low education levels, formal employment, first or unplanned pregnancy, were less likely to consume these supplements. Conclusions The results show that the number of women taking folic acid in the early stages of pregnancy is low. In order to prevent neural tube defects for all Vietnamese children, improved policies are needed for the distribution of folic acid tablets and health promotion campaigns targeting these vulnerable subgroups of women for usage and adherence are recommended. Funding Sources This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.

scholarly journals Low Prevalence of Folic Acid Supplementation during Pregnancy: A Multicenter Study in Vietnam

Nutrients ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (10) ◽  
pp. 2347 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ha ◽  
Zhao ◽  
Binns ◽  
Pham ◽  
Nguyen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Folic Acid ◽  
Neural Tube ◽  
Multicenter Study ◽  
First Trimester ◽  
Folic Acid Supplementation ◽  
Antenatal Visit ◽  
Maternal Characteristics ◽  
Supplement Use ◽  
Education Levels ◽  
Formal Employment

Periconceptional folic acid (FA) supplementation is recommended to prevent neural tube defects (NTDs), but little information is known about its use in Vietnam. It is important that FA supplements start to be taken when planning a pregnancy and continued through the first trimester to prevent NTDs, as the neural tube closes in the first month of pregnancy. However, FA supplementation in Vietnam is usually recommended to commence from the first antenatal visit, which is usually at 16 weeks, and very few women take FA before their first visit. This multicenter study aimed to determine the prevalence of FA supplement use and associated maternal characteristics in Vietnam. FA supplementation was assessed in 2030 singleton pregnant women between 2015 and 2016. In total, 654 (32.2%) women reported taking either supplements containing FA alone or multivitamins containing FA, and 505 (24.9%) reported correctly taking supplements containing FA alone. Women who were aged 30 years or over, had low education levels, had formal employment, and whose current pregnancy was first or unplanned were less likely to supplement with FA. Education programs are needed to encourage FA supplementation when contemplating pregnancy.

scholarly journals Knowledge and intake of folic acid to prevent neural tube defects among pregnant women in urban China: a cross-sectional study

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mingming Cui ◽  
Xiao-Lin Lu ◽  
Yan-Yu Lyu ◽  
Fang Wang ◽  
Xiao-Lu Xie ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Folic Acid ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Neural Tube ◽  
Neural Tube Defects ◽  
Rural Women ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Unplanned Pregnancy ◽  
Urban China ◽  
Cross Sectional

Abstract Background The prevalence of neural tube defects (NTDs) in China declined during 2000–2017 with periconceptional folic acid (FA) supplementation, which is effective in reducing the risk of birth defects. We aimed to assess the knowledge and actual use of FA among Chinese pregnant women and to explore factors associated with FA use before pregnancy. Methods All data were collected in face-to-face interviews during health visits among pregnant women. We collected information about knowledge and use of FA supplements and demographic, socioeconomic, and health status. One maternity and childcare hospital was chosen in each of four cities: Beijing, Huaibei, Kunming, and Haikou. In total, 435 pregnant women were randomly recruited for interviews conducted from June to December 2016. Results A total of 428 pregnant women were included in this survey. Of these, 82.0% (351/428) knew that FA can prevent NTDs, and 75.9% (325/428) knew the correct time to take FA. Overall, 65.9% (282/428) of women knew both that FA can prevent NTDs and the recommended time to take FA before pregnancy. Approximately 95.1% (407/428) of women reported having ever taken FA, only 46.3% (198/428) had begun to take FA supplementation before conception, and 64.5% (109/169) of women from rural areas failed to take FA before pregnancy. Women living in northern China (odds ratio [OR] = 1.81, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.18–2.77), those with unplanned pregnancy (OR = 1.99, 95% CI 1.30–3.04), and highly educated women (OR = 2.37, 95% CI 1.45–3.88) were more likely to know about FA. Women who were homemakers (OR = 1.94, 95% CI 1.21–3.11) and had unplanned pregnancy (OR = 6.18, 95% CI 4.01–9.53) were less likely to begin taking FA before pregnancy. Conclusions Our survey showed that most pregnant women knew about FA. Although preconception intake of FA can help to reduce NTDs, improving the rate of FA intake before pregnancy is needed in urban areas of China, especially among homemakers and women from rural areas or with unplanned pregnancy. Campaigns are needed to increase awareness about FA and FA use before pregnancy among rural women, homemakers, and those with unplanned pregnancy and lower education levels.

scholarly journals Patterns and predictors of folic acid supplement use among pregnant women: the Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort Study

2006 ◽  
Vol 84 (5) ◽  
pp. 1134-1141 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roy M Nilsen ◽  
Stein E Vollset ◽  
Håkon K Gjessing ◽  
Per Magnus ◽  
Helle M Meltzer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cohort Study ◽  
Folic Acid ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Folic Acid Supplement ◽  
Supplement Use ◽  
Acid Supplement ◽  
Mother And Child

scholarly journals Factors associated with not using folic acid supplements preconceptionally

2013 ◽  
Vol 17 (10) ◽  
pp. 2344-2350 ◽  
Author(s):  
Judith Manniën ◽  
Ank de Jonge ◽  
Martina C Cornel ◽  
Evelien Spelten ◽  
Eileen K Hutton
Keyword(s):  
Folic Acid ◽  
The Netherlands ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Neural Tube ◽  
Neural Tube Defects ◽  
Lifestyle Factors ◽  
Folic Acid Intake ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Acid Intake ◽  
Folic Acid Supplements

AbstractObjectiveNeural tube defects are among the most common birth defects worldwide. Folic acid intake from one month before to three months after conception reduces the likelihood of neural tube defects by at least 50 %. Since 1995, several campaigns have been organised in the Netherlands which resulted in 51 % of pregnant women using folic acid supplements during the entire recommended period in the northern part of the Netherlands in 2005. Our research question was to gain insight into the current prevalence and factors associated with inadequate pregnancy-related use of folic acid supplements.DesignData from the DELIVER study were used, which is a population-based cohort study.SettingTwenty midwifery practices across the Netherlands in 2009 and 2010.SubjectsIn total 5975 pregnant women completed a questionnaire covering items on sociodemographic and lifestyle factors, including folic acid intake.ResultsOf our study population, 55·5 % (3318/5975) used folic acid supplements before conception. Several sociodemographic and lifestyle factors were associated with no preconception use of folic acid, of which non-Western ethnicity and not having a partner had the largest effect size.ConclusionsIn the Netherlands, the folic acid intake before conception is suboptimal and has not improved over recent years. Fortification of staple foods with folic acid should be reconsidered as it would provide a more effective means of ensuring an adequate intake, especially for those groups of women who are unlikely to plan their pregnancies or to receive or respond to health promotion messages.

scholarly journals Adherence to Iron and Folic Acid Supplement and Associated Factors among Antenatal Care Attendant Mothers In Lay Armachiho Health Centers, Northwest, Ethiopia, 2017

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Henok Dagne Derso ◽  
Gashaw Agegnehu ◽  
Azeb Atenafu ◽  
Baye Dagnew ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Folic Acid ◽  
Antenatal Care ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Family Size ◽  
Associated Factors ◽  
Economic Status ◽  
Educational Status ◽  
Folic Acid Supplement ◽  
Acid Supplement ◽  
Iron And Folic Acid

Background: Iron deficiency is the leading nutrient deficiency in the world affecting the lives of more than 2 billion people, accounting to over 30% of the world’s population. Pregnant women are particularly at high risk of iron and folic acid deficiency. Objective The aim of this study was to assess Adherence to Iron and folic acid supplement during pregnancy and its associated factors among pregnant women attending antenatal care. Methods Institution based cross-sectional study was employed from February 2016 to March 2017. Systematic random sampling technique was used to select the study participants. Data was collected using a structured and pretested interviewer-administered questionnaire. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analysis were used to identify associated factors with Adherence to prenatal iron and folic acid supplement among pregnant women. An adjusted odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval was computed to determine the level of significance. Those variables with a p-value less than 0.05 had been considered as significant. Result Adherence to Iron and folic acid was 28.7% with 95% C.I. (24.3, 33.6%). Educational status of mothers(AOR= 9.27 (95%CI: 2.47, 34.71), Educational status of husband (AOR= 0.31(95% CI: 0.11,0.88), Mothers who had a family size of four(AOR=3.70(1.08,12.76), Mothers who had family size of five and above (AOR= 4.88(95% CI: 1.20, 19.85),Mothers who had 2500-3500 birr household average monthly income (AOR= 0.46(95% CI: 0.24,0.89), Mothers who had registered at 17-24weeks with (AOR=0.40(95% CI: 0.22-0.74), registered at 25-28weeks (AOR=0.20(95% CI 0.10, 0.41), Mothers who had collected their iron and folic acid started at first visit at first month of pregnancy and duration of iron and folic acid is taken (AOR= 2.42(95% CI:1.05, 5.58) had significant association with iron and folic acid adherence. Conclusion and recommendation Adherence of Iron and folic acid was relatively low. Maternal and husband education status, family size, registration time, economic status and first visit in the first month with duration of iron and folic acid taken were factors significantly associated with adherence to iron and folic acid supplement. Educating pregnant mothers, improving economic status, early ANC registration can improve adherence to iron and folic acid supplement.

scholarly journals Level of folic acid awareness for the prevention of neural tube defects and associated factors among pregnant women in Adama, South East Ethiopia

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
MESELECH AMBAW DESSIE ◽  
Ayanaw Worku Berihun
Keyword(s):  
Folic Acid ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Neural Tube ◽  
Neural Tube Defects ◽  
Congenital Anomalies ◽  
Associated Factors ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
P Value ◽  
Antenatal Visit ◽  
Cross Sectional

Abstract Abstract Background: Neural tube defects are congenital anomalies of the brain, spinal cord, and their surrounding structures. Folic acid intake before and during the early weeks of pregnancy could reduce neural tube and other birth defects. Folic acid usage in the protective period of pregnancy against the neural tube defects is related to high level of awareness. This study aimed at evaluating the level of folic acid awareness for the prevention of neural tube defects and associated factors among pregnant women in Adama, South East Ethiopia. Method: A descriptive cross-sectional study design was used. 398 consented pregnant women attending antenatal care in Adama were the participants of the study. The women were selected by using a systematic random sampling method. A structured pre-tested interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect the data. The questionnaire was concerned with participants’ demographic information, and their awareness about folic acid, roles of folic acid, and the recommended time of intake. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20 statical software. Simple and multiple binary logistic regression analyses were conducted. 95% confidence interval and p-value were used to evaluate the association between dependent and independent variables. Results: Of the interviewed women, 20.9% reported having heard or read something about folic acid supplements. But only 1.01% and 6.03% were aware of the recommended time of intake and the role of folic acid in preventing neural tube defects and other congenital anomalies respectively. The healthcare providers were the primary source of information about folic acid, which account 78.3%. Folic acid awareness was associated with age, educational status, household monthly income, week of pregnancy at the first antenatal visit, any complication during current pregnancy, and use of folic acid during current pregnancy. Conclusions: Most of the pregnant women were not aware of folic acid, its importance and the recommended time of intake for preventing neural tube defects. Further effort is required from policymakers, healthcare providers, the media, and community to increase women's awareness about folic acid. Keywords: Folic acid, Awareness, Neural tube defects

scholarly journals Is natural (6S)-5-methyltetrahydrofolic acid as effective as synthetic folic acid in increasing serum and red blood cell folate concentrations during pregnancy? A proof-of-concept pilot study

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kelsey M Cochrane ◽  
Chantal Mayer ◽  
Angela M Devlin ◽  
Rajavel Elango ◽  
Jennifer A Hutcheon ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Small Intestine ◽  
Folic Acid ◽  
Blood Cell ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Neural Tube ◽  
Red Blood Cell ◽  
Neural Tube Closure ◽  
Serum Folate ◽  
Proof Of Concept ◽  
Natural Form

Abstract Background: Health Canada recommends 0.4 mg/day folic acid before conception and throughout pregnancy to reduce the risk of neural tube defects. Folic acid is a synthetic form of folate that must be reduced by dihydrofolate reductase and then further metabolized in the small intestine. Recent evidence suggests that the maximal capacity for this process is limited and unmetabolized folic acid has been detected in circulation. The biological effects of unmetabolized folic acid are not fully understood. A natural form of folate, (6S)-5-methyltetrahydrofolic acid (Metafolin®), may be a superior alternative because it does not need to be reduced in the small intestine. Metafolin® is currently used in some prenatal multivitamins, however it has yet to be evaluated during pregnancy. Methods: This double-blind randomized trial will recruit 60 pregnant women aged 19-42 years. Women will receive either 0.6 mg/day folic acid or an equimolar dose (0.625 mg/day) of (6S)-5-methyltetrahydrofolic acid for 16-weeks. The trial will be initiated at 8-21 weeks gestation (after neural tube closure) to reduce the risk of harm should (6S)-5-methyltetrahydrofolic acid prove less effective. All women will also receive a prenatal multivitamin (not containing folate) to ensure adequacy of other nutrients. Baseline and endline blood samples will be collected to assess primary outcome measures, including serum folate, red blood cell folate and unmetabolized folic acid. Change in primary outcomes from baseline to endline in each group will be calculated using a paired-t-test. Discussion: This proof-of-concept trial is needed to obtain estimates of the effect of (6S)-5-methyltetrahydrofolic acid compared to folic acid on circulating biomarkers of folate status during pregnancy. These estimates will inform the design of a definitive trial which will be powered to assess whether (6S)-5-methyltetrahydrofolic acid is as effective as folic acid in raising blood folate concentrations during pregnancy. Ultimately, these findings will inform folate supplementation policies for pregnant women.

Race and ethnicity and preconception folic acid supplement use among pregnant women in Georgia, PRAMS 2009 to 2011

2017 ◽  
Vol 109 (1) ◽  
pp. 38-48 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ayesha Mukhtar ◽  
Michael R. Kramer ◽  
Godfrey P. Oakley ◽  
Vijaya Kancherla
Keyword(s):  
Folic Acid ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Race And Ethnicity ◽  
Folic Acid Supplement ◽  
Supplement Use ◽  
Acid Supplement

scholarly journals Factors Influencing the Compliance of Pregnant Women with Iron and Folic Acid Supplementation in the Philippines: 2017 Philippine Demographic and Health Survey Analysis

Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (9) ◽  
pp. 3060
Author(s):  
Eva Belingon Felipe-Dimog ◽  
Chia-Hung Yu ◽  
Chung-Han Ho ◽  
Fu-Wen Liang
Keyword(s):  
Folic Acid ◽  
Antenatal Care ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Health Survey ◽  
Multiple Logistic Regression Analysis ◽  
The Philippines ◽  
Demographic And Health Survey ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Outcome Variable ◽  
Iron And Folic Acid

Anemia in pregnancy, which is a public health concern for most developing countries, is predominantly caused by iron deficiency. At least, 180 days of iron and folic acid (IFA) supplementation is recommended for pregnant women to mitigate anemia and its adverse effects. This study aimed to examine compliance with the recommendation of IFA supplementation and its underlying factors using the 2017 Philippine National Demographic and Health Survey data. The variables assessed included age, highest level of education, occupation, wealth index, ethnicity, religion, residence, number of pregnancies, time of first antenatal care (ANC) visit and number of ANC visits. Compliance with the recommendation of at least 180 days of IFA supplementation was the outcome variable. The study assessed 7983 women aged 15–49 years with a history of pregnancy. Of these participants, 25.8% complied with the IFA supplementation recommendation. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that pregnant women of Islamic faith and non-Indigenous Muslim ethnicity were less likely to comply with the IFA supplementation recommendation. Being aged between 25 and 34 years, having better education and higher wealth status, rural residency, initiating ANC visits during the first trimester of pregnancy and having at least four ANC visits positively influenced compliance with IFA supplementation. The effect of residence on IFA adherence differed across the wealth classes. Strategies targeted at specific groups, such as religious minorities, poor urban residents, the less educated and young women, should be strengthened to encourage early and regular antenatal care visits for improving compliance.

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