Knowledge and Use of Folic Acid: In Women of Reproductive Age

Publication: Canadian Journal of Dietetic Practice and Research
18 November 2011

Abstract

Folic acid reduces the risk of neural tube defects. As approximately 50% of pregnancies are unintended, women of reproductive age should be aware of the importance of folic acid. We reviewed the existing literature on these women’s knowledge of folic acid and neural tube defects. Databases searched were PubMed, CINAHL, and Health Reference Center Academic. We used terms such as “folic acid knowledge” and “folic acid awareness” to search articles published from 1998 to 2010. Awareness of the benefits of folic acid before conception and during pregnancy was low, although knowledge levels were associated with education and household income. Women who were already knowledgeable about folic acid cited health care professionals, magazines and newspapers, and radio and television as common sources of information. Effective knowledge translation is needed to ensure that women are informed about the benefits of folic acid during the reproductive years. This knowledge will allow them to make informed decisions about folic acid consumption. Health care professionals play an influential role in promoting folic acid knowledge among women of childbearing age. Lower levels of knowledge among women with lower levels of education and/or household income must be addressed.

Résumé

L’acide folique réduit le risque d’anomalies du tube neural. Puisqu’environ 50% des grossesses sont non intentionnelles, les femmes en âge de procréer devraient être sensibilisées à l’importance de l’acide folique. Nous avons examiné la littérature existante portant sur les connaissances de ces femmes au sujet de l’acide folique et des anomalies du tube neural. Les bases de données utilisées ont été PubMed, CINAHL et Health Reference Center Academic. Nous avons utilisé des termes tels « folic acid knowledge » et « folic acid awareness » [connaissances sur l’acide folique] et avons cherché des articles publiés entre 1998 et 2010. Le niveau de connaissances sur les avantages de l’acide folique avant la conception et pendant la grossesse était faible et fonction de l’éducation et du revenu du ménage. Les femmes qui possédaient déjà des connaissances sur l’acide folique ont cité les professionnels de la santé, les magazines, les journaux, la radio et la télévision comme sources courantes d’information. Le transfert des connaissances doit s’effectuer de manière efficace afin que les femmes soient renseignées sur les avantages de l’acide folique lorsqu’elles sont en âge de procréer. Ces connaissances leur permettront de prendre des décisions éclairées relativement à la consommation d’acide folique. Les professionnels de la santé peuvent être d’importants acteurs en matière de sensibilisation sur l’acide folique auprès des femmes en âge de procréer. Par ailleurs, le problème du faible niveau de connaissances des femmes ayant un faible niveau de scolarité ou issues de ménages à revenus moins élevés doit être abordé.

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Information

Published In

cover image Canadian Journal of Dietetic Practice and Research
Canadian Journal of Dietetic Practice and Research
Volume 72Number 4December 2011
Pages: 197 - 200

History

Version of record online: 18 November 2011

Authors

Affiliations

Kelly R.S. Fehr, BSc (HNS)
Department of Human Nutritional Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB
Kelsey D.H. Fehr, BSc (HNS)
Department of Human Nutritional Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB
Jennifer Lisa Penner Protudjer, PhD candidate, MSc
Department of Human Nutritional Sciences, Department of Applied Health Sciences, and Manitoba Institute of Child Health, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB

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