Knowledge and attitudes of pregnant women regarding folic acid supplementation

Abstract

Background: Folic acid (FA) supplementation is an important intervention to avoid complications during pregnancy on the women and fetus. Aim of the study: To assess knowledge and attitudes of pregnant women regarding folic acid supplementation. Design: A descriptive design was used. Setting: The study was conducted at antenatal clinical at Badr University Hospital, Cairo, Egypt. Sample: A Convenience sample was utilized to recruit 120 pregnant women. Tools: Three tools for data collection were used. First tool: A structured interviewing questionnaire to assess demographic data, obstetric and menstrual history. Second tool: Pregnant women's knowledge regarding folic acid supplementation. Third tool: Pregnant women's attitudes regarding folic acid supplementation. Results: The current study showed about the majority of pregnant women having low level of knowledge regarding folic acid supplementation, while the half of pregnant women had negative attitudes regarding folic acid supplementation during pregnancy. Conclusion: the study pregnant women had unsatisfactory level of knowledge and negative attitudes regarding folic acid supplementation. Recommendation: Developing program to increase awareness regarding folic acid supplementation among pregnant women.