Awareness of pregnant women about folic acid supplementation in Iran

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study was to determine the level of knowledge of folic acid supplementation amongst Iranian pregnant women. We selected 322 women through simple randomized method in a cross section study. Data was gathered on the base of questionnaire and interview. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software. The value of p<0.05 was considered as significant level. The obtained information revealed that 7.8% with high level of knowledge, 43.8% with intermediate level, 30.4% with low level knowledge, and 18% with no knowledge. Hospitals and health centers are two major sources for promoting popular awareness about folic acid. There is a significant relationship between the knowledge, education, employment, time of prenatal care beginning, age, gravidity, and sources of health information. The number of women with high level of knowledge was more among those with lower parity, higher level of education, employment, young age and looking for health information. Awareness of folic acid is low among Iranian women. The different strategies are required to elevate the knowledge about folic acid among the women in reproductive age and provide them with some information about the benefits of this supplement