ABSTRACT
The study assessed knowledge and practice
among childbearing age women on periconceptional folic acid supplementation
(PFAS) and its health implications. The study adopted survey research design. A
total of 398 questionnaires were randomly issued out by the researcher to the
childbearing age women in Federal Medical Center, Umuahia. Result obtained
showed that more than one third (41%) of the respondents were at parity 0.
Approximately 69 (17.7%) of the respondents had experienced at least an
incident of adverse pregnancy outcome, and 320 (82.3%) had no experienced at
least an incident of adverse pregnancy outcome. The use of oral contraceptives
was found to be uncommon in the respondents and approximately halfofthose that
had taken it at some point had done so without the benefit of prescription from
qualified medical personnel. Majority of the respondents 311 (80%) indicated
that they were on prescription medication and they were actually taking routine
drugs. About 67% reported that they took folic acid in the present pregnancy
with their routine drug regimen but only 30% take it daily. Result obtained
showed that the relationship between knowledge of folic acid use in pregnancy,
age, parity and educational status. A majority of the respondents (n=389) in
the 25 - 31years group knew what folic acid was. There was a significant
relationship between age and knowledge offolic acid (P < 0.05). Also 100.0%
ofrespondents at parity 5 and 7 knew what folic acid was. Therefore, it was
concluded that a large percentage of the women had limited information on the
use and importance of folate in pregnancy. Many missed supplementation at the
critical periconceptional period and began from the third month onwards. Based
on the above observations, the study recommends that correct information is
imperative for mothers from healthcare personnel. Government should start birth
anomaly registries and also morbidity and mortality reports as obtains in some
more developed countries, these figures will help plan and execute projects
aimed at reducing birth defects including NTDs to the barest minimum.
Government should spearhead widespread enlightenment campaigns on folate
importance in pregnancy, also legislation should be passed to encourage
manufacturers of feminine hygiene products like sanitary pads to put reminders
on the importance ofincreasing folate intake before conception. Hospitals both
private and public ones should ensure that a qualified Nutritionist/Dietitian
is attached to their antenatal clinics to disseminate correct information to
pregnant women.
MGBEMENA, M (2024). Assessment Of Knoweldge And Practice Of Periconceptional Folic Acid Supplementation Among Child Bearing Age Women Attending Ante Natal Clinic In FMC Umuahia:- Mgbemena, Precious I. Mouau.afribary.org: Retrieved Nov 07, 2024, from https://repository.mouau.edu.ng/work/view/assessment-of-knoweldge-and-practice-of-periconceptional-folic-acid-supplementation-among-child-bearing-age-women-attending-ante-natal-clinic-in-fmc-umuahia-mgbemena-precious-i-7-2
MGBEMENA, MGBEMENA. "Assessment Of Knoweldge And Practice Of Periconceptional Folic Acid Supplementation Among Child Bearing Age Women Attending Ante Natal Clinic In FMC Umuahia:- Mgbemena, Precious I" Mouau.afribary.org. Mouau.afribary.org, 24 Oct. 2024, https://repository.mouau.edu.ng/work/view/assessment-of-knoweldge-and-practice-of-periconceptional-folic-acid-supplementation-among-child-bearing-age-women-attending-ante-natal-clinic-in-fmc-umuahia-mgbemena-precious-i-7-2. Accessed 07 Nov. 2024.
MGBEMENA, MGBEMENA. "Assessment Of Knoweldge And Practice Of Periconceptional Folic Acid Supplementation Among Child Bearing Age Women Attending Ante Natal Clinic In FMC Umuahia:- Mgbemena, Precious I". Mouau.afribary.org, Mouau.afribary.org, 24 Oct. 2024. Web. 07 Nov. 2024. < https://repository.mouau.edu.ng/work/view/assessment-of-knoweldge-and-practice-of-periconceptional-folic-acid-supplementation-among-child-bearing-age-women-attending-ante-natal-clinic-in-fmc-umuahia-mgbemena-precious-i-7-2 >.
MGBEMENA, MGBEMENA. "Assessment Of Knoweldge And Practice Of Periconceptional Folic Acid Supplementation Among Child Bearing Age Women Attending Ante Natal Clinic In FMC Umuahia:- Mgbemena, Precious I" Mouau.afribary.org (2024). Accessed 07 Nov. 2024. https://repository.mouau.edu.ng/work/view/assessment-of-knoweldge-and-practice-of-periconceptional-folic-acid-supplementation-among-child-bearing-age-women-attending-ante-natal-clinic-in-fmc-umuahia-mgbemena-precious-i-7-2