Awareness Of Periconceptional Folic Acid Consumption

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE:The purpose of this study was to determine awareness of Periconceptional folic acid consumption amongst Indian women. MATERIALS AND METHODS:We selected 100 women attending OPD in the OBGYdepartment of ASRAM. Data was gathered on the basis of questionnaire and interview. Statistical analysis was performed. The value of p<0.05 was considered as significant. RESULTS:The obtained information showed that knowledge of most respondents (86%) was below normal (lack of knowledge), 10% had intermediate knowledge and only 4% had high knowledge. There is a significant relationship between Periconceptional Folic acid awareness and education, employment, time of prenatal care, gravidity and sources of health information. The number of women with high level of knowledge was more among those with higher level of education, employment. CONCLUSION:There is need to increase awareness of periconceptional folic acid supplementation among reproductive aged women and women planning pregnancy. Different strategies are required to elevate the knowledge about folic acid.