[ effect of education on level of knowledge towards the role and consumption of folic acid supplement in pregnancy]

ABSTRACT

Folic acid is one of the most important vitamins for women at reproductive age and especially pre-conception and during pregnancy. this study was to assess the effect of education on level of knowledge regarding the role and consumption of folic acid supplement in pregnant women. This was an interventional study in which 126 pregnant women referred to health centers in Qazvin during 2006-2007 were included. Health centers were selected by cluster sampling and the study population chosen randomly. Data were collected through a two-stage interview using a questionnaire. Initially, a questionnaire was completed by interview followed by a15-minute face to face education session and further re-filling of the same questionnaire two weeks later. Data were analyzed using T test, chi square test, and Fisher's exact test. Based on results of present study, the level of knowledge on folic acid consumption among study population was demonstrated to be good [4%], moderate [57.1%], and poor [38.9%] pre-education which changed to 57.1%, 40.5% and 2.4% post-education, respectively. There was a significant difference between the level of knowledge pre- and post-education, statistically [P<0/000]. Consumption of folic acid by pregnant women was found to be around 84.1% before education which rose to 96% after education program with a statistically significant difference pre- and post-education [P= 0/003]. According to data found in our study, midwifes, medics, and health care workers are recommended to follow a given educational package in which the promotion of knowledge on folic acid supplement consumption and its advantages in reproductive age particularly in pregnant women is targeted