Pregnancy planning: a determinant of folic acid supplements use for the primary prevention of neural tube defects.

OBJECTIVE

Daily consumption of supplements containing 400 micrograms of folic acid in the periconception period may reduce the risk of neural tube defects (NTDs) by as much as 70%. However, despite explicit recommendations, folic acid consumption among women likely to become pregnant remains low. The objectives of this study were: to evaluate women's knowledge and beliefs with regard to folic acid; to estimate the frequency of vitamin supplement consumption; and to identify its determinants during the periconception period.

METHODS

In 1999-2000, a questionnaire was completed by 1,240 pregnant women in 10 Quebec hospitals.

RESULTS

Seventy percent of the respondents were aware of the preventive role of folic acid but only 25% had taken the recommended dose of supplements during the periconception period. Supplement consumption is associated with the pregnancy planning intensity score (OR: 1.06; 95% CI: 1.02-1.11), knowledge score (OR: 1.11; 95% CI: 1.07-1.16) and belief in the usefulness of supplements (OR: 1.56; 95% CI: 1.02-2.39).

CONCLUSION

These results indicate that further efforts are needed to inform the population and promote the optimal use of folic acid supplements.