A statistical study to assess the pattern of folic acid consumption in Pregnant women

Abstract

Background and purpose: Annually about half a million children in the world are born with neural tube defects and folic acid plays a role, it is effective in preventing this, so this study had been conducted to determine the pattern of folic acid intake during pregnancy.

This research is a descriptive-analytical study, it depends on gathering information through interviews and completion. It was a questionnaire. The sample numbers were 322 people who had been sent to Al-Mahmodya Hospital.

 Results inducted 81.4% of women had consumed folic acid during pregnancy, which at the time of starting consumption was 23.9%. Percentage was mentioned from the first month and 16.4% after the third month of pregnancy. None of the units studied the time of cutting consumption was not mentioned before the third month. The most common reason for not consuming is not known how to take folic acid was mentioned (73.3%). Between Folic Acid consumption during pregnancy and women's education (P = 0.004, occupation)  (P = 0.034) neural tube defects with number of infants and, ( P = 0.046) abortion number,( P = 0.000) number of pregnancies,( P = 0.052). A significant relationship was found, also between folic acid consumption with previous planning for pregnancy (P = 0.060) and Pregnancy care (P = 0.047) also had a significant relationship.

Although a significant percentage of women have consumed folic acid during pregnancy, but the onset time of consumption was not the right time. Therefore, it seems necessary  to know as many women as possible. Appropriate measures should be taken regarding the benefits of folic acid and how to use it .