Awareness about folic acid intake amongst Saudi women of child bearing age in the Aseer region in prevention of neural tube defects in fetus

Abstract

Background: Folic acid deficiency during pregnancy can lead to critical anomalies called neural tube defects (NTDs) in fetus. Though its prevalence is low (0.5 to 2 per 1000 births) yet efforts must be made to prevent its occurrence. Thus, objective of this study was to speculate the level of awareness of folic acid intake amongst Saudi women of child bearing age in the Aseer region in prevention of NTDs and to propose measures to prevent its occurrence. Method: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out on 700 women of child bearing age residing in various areas of Aseer Province. A self designed questionnaire form aiming to assess the awareness of folic acid was distributed to the participants and their responses were analysed. Results: Most of the women resided in villages/small town (54.1%) and were married (66.6%), educated up to graduation level (50.9%), non working (55.4%), non smokers (97.3%) and had monthly family income of less than 5000 Saudi Riyals indicating a relatively lower economic status. Only 18% women were aware that folic acid deficiency during pregnancy could lead to NTDs. Hardly 9.1% women were aware that folic acid should be taken 3 months before the pregnancy and during first 3 months of pregnancy. At the time of study although 53.9 % of study subject women were consuming folic acid supplements because of pregnancy, however 51.3 % women expressed their unwillingness to do so in future if they ever conceived. Conclusion: Awareness about folic acid intake amongst Saudi women of child bearing age in the Aseer region in prevention of NTDs in fetus was found to be low. Therefore formulating better health education strategies, support from healthcare staff, strengthening health care programs and frequent health visits/surveys are the proposed measures to ensure a higher level of awareness on the issue.