AWARENESS AND INTAKE OF FOLIC ACID BY REPRODUCTIVE AGE WOMEN IN OZORO, ISOKO NORTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT, DELTA STATE, NIGERIA
Abstract
Purpose: The purpose of the study was to determine the level of awareness and intake of folic acid supplementation among reproductive age women in Isoko Local Government Council. Delta State. Nigeria.
Method: The study adopted a cross-sectional design. Purposive sampling was used to select two hundred and eighty (280) women. Self-developed close-ended questionnaire was used to collect data. The questions were about biography, awareness and knowledge of folic acid intake before conception, intake of folic acid, factors associated with intake of folic acid. Data was analysed using descriptive (frequency and percentage) and inferential (chi-square and regression) statistics.
Result: A majority 192(70.3%) of respondents’ awareness of folic acid supplement intake before pregnancy was high but have low knowledge 42(15.4%) of folic acid function as regards prevention of neural tube defect. A majority 209(76.6%) of respondents took folic acid. Folic acid intake one month before conception was 66(24.2%) and in the first three months during conception was 36(13.2%) while throughout pregnancy 152(55.7%). Factors associated with folic acid supplementation intake are tertiary education, married women and planned pregnancy. Predictors of folic acid supplementation intake are parity and awareness.
Recommendation: Findings show that, respondents’ awareness and intake of folic acid supplementation is high but has poor knowledge on the function of folic acid as regards prevention of neural tube defect. The high awareness and intake did not translate to recommended guideline which is the proper timing of FA supplementation.(one month before conception and three months during pregnancy).
KEY WORDS: Folic acid, Neural tube defect, Awareness, Preconception, Reproductive age women.References
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