Oleary M, Donnell R M, Johnson H
Department of Public Health, Eastern Regional Health Authority, Dr Steeven's Hospital, Dublin, Republic of Ireland.
Ir Med J. 2001 Jun;94(6):180-1.
Eight years have passed since recommendations were made by the Irish Department of Health on the importance of folic acid in the prevention of neural tube defects (NTD). There is currently no mandatory fortification of foodstuffs with folic acid in Ireland, with reliance placed on campaigns promoting increased dietary folate intake and supplements. We assessed knowledge and use of folic acid among 300 women attending ante-natal clinics in Dublin maternity hospitals in the year 2000 using an interviewer administered questionnaire. Qualitative information was obtained through means of a focus group. Ninety two percent of respondents had heard of folic acid and 67% knew it could prevent NTD. Thirty per cent were advised to take it peri-conceptionally but overall only 18% did so; 39% of women had planned their pregnancy. The focus group indicated that folic acid was not 'visible' enough and that fortification of food was more realistic. This study shows that improved folic acid awareness has not been accompanied by corresponding peri-conceptional uptake in 2000. Folic acid promotional campaigns should be continuous and targeted. Mandatory food fortification should be strongly considered.
自爱尔兰卫生部就叶酸在预防神经管缺陷（NTD）中的重要性提出建议以来，已经过去了八年。目前，爱尔兰没有对食品进行强制性叶酸强化，而是依靠开展活动来促进增加膳食叶酸摄入量和补充叶酸。2000年，我们使用访谈员管理的问卷，对都柏林妇产医院产前诊所的300名妇女进行了叶酸知识和使用情况的评估。通过焦点小组的方式获取了定性信息。92%的受访者听说过叶酸，67%知道它可以预防神经管缺陷。30%的人在受孕前后被建议服用叶酸，但总体上只有18%这样做；39%的妇女是计划怀孕的。焦点小组指出，叶酸不够“显眼”，食品强化更为现实。这项研究表明，2000年叶酸意识有所提高，但受孕前后的摄入量并没有相应增加。叶酸宣传活动应该持续且有针对性。应大力考虑强制性食品强化。
