How many pregnant women in Christchurch are using folic acid supplements in early pregnancy?

AIMS

To determine the proportion of pregnant women in Christchurch using folic acid supplements in early pregnancy. To evaluate the level of current knowledge relating to folic acid amongst pregnant women. To determine the main sources from which this information was gained.

METHODS

A short questionnaire was administered to 191 pregnant women in Christchurch during antenatal visits with their lead maternity carer. The survey contained questions relating to knowledge about folic acid and use together with sources of information regarding folic acid. Obstetric and demographic details were also collected.

RESULTS

The response rate was 95.5%. Ninety-one per cent (174/191) of participants had heard of folic acid and, of these, 63% knew that folic acid reduces the risk of spina bifida. Of the 191 participants in the study, 118(62%) took folic acid supplements at some stage of their pregnancy, however, only 33(17%) had taken periconceptual folic acid supplements. Of the 44% of all women in the study with a planned pregnancy, only 35% had taken folic acid supplements periconceptually. Of those women with an unplanned pregnancy (55%), only 2.8% had taken a folic acid supplement periconceptually. The main sources of advice for women relating to folic acid were general practitioners (48%) or media advertising, either in the form of a magazine, or health pamphlet or television promotion (20%).

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study indicate that the level of knowledge amongst women of child-bearing age relating to folic acid is relatively high compared with other countries. Despite this high level of knowledge, only a small percentage of women are actually consuming a folic acid supplement during the recommended periconceptual period due in part to the high proportion of unplanned pregnancies. These results emphasize the need for an effective public health strategy to ensure that all women of child-bearing age have access to an adequate folic acid intake.