Women's Knowledge and Attitudes about the Role of Folic Acid in Preventing Neural Tube Defects Open Access
Lean, Katherine (2013)
Abstract
Background: Research has confirmed that neural tube
defects can be prevented in pregnant women who take supplemental
folic acid prior to conception until the end of the first
trimester. Many women are unaware of the role of folic acid in the
health of their unborn child. There is limited qualitative research
regarding women's understanding of folic acid and how this shapes
behaviors.
Objective: The purpose of this qualitative analysis was
to understand the beliefs and attitudes of women of childbearing
age who are capable of becoming pregnant towards folic acid and its
importance in the prevention of neural tube defects.
Methods: A thematic analysis was conducted on secondary
data from 16 focus group discussions with of women of childbearing
age capable of becoming pregnant.
Results: This study showed that women study participants
of reproductive age were unaware of the role that folic acid played
in preventing neural tube defects. The information that women
desired was simple, comprising concise facts about folic acid
supplementation. After women learned about the importance of folic
acid, their responses were typically of surprise, empowerment or
skepticism. When asked of their current habits of vitamin
consumption, intake was often inconsistent and required cues to
action. Other barriers to folic acid intake were the cost of the
supplements, side-effects and a lack of knowledge.
Conclusion: Twenty years after the proof that folic acid would prevent neural tube defects, most women of reproductive age still do not take folic acid vitamin supplements, a reminder of how difficult it is to change behavior and a reminder that fortification of foods needs to occur in conjunction with supplementation. An increase in the quantity and quality of information to women by healthcare professionals about folic acid and its role in the prevention of neural tube defects may aid in prevention. Additionally, an increase in health communication materials that address the importance of folic acid supplementation is needed. A mobile phone application which serves as a cue to action and a portal for folic acid information could be an effective tool for increasing consumption of supplements.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Introduction1
Background of Problem 1
Statement of Problem 3
Purpose of Study 4
Research Questions 4
Importance of Study 4
Literature Review5
The Burden of Neural Tube Defects 5
Folic Acid and Neural Tube Defects 6
Folic Acid Intake and Knowledge 12
Compliance 14
Methodology 17
Study Design 17
Study Context 18
Study Population and Data Collection 19
Focus Group Discussions 20
Data Analysis 22
Data Quality and Study Limitations 23
Results24
Discussion34
Implications of Results 34
Further Research 38
Conclusion40
References41
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