ABSTRACT

Folate is a generic term referring to both natural folates in food and folic acid, the synthetic form used in supplements and fortified food. Folate is critical in the metabolism of nucleic acid precursors and several amino acids, as well as in methylation reactions. Severe deficiency in either folate or vitamin B 12 can lead to megaloblastic anemia, which causes fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath. Improper treatment of vitamin B 12-dependent megaloblastic anemia with high dose supplemental folic acid can potentially delay the diagnosis of vitamin B12 deficiency and thus leave the individual at risk of developing irreversible brain damage. The objective of this study is to determine the prevalence of folate deficiency anemia in pregnant women admitted in rural and semi-urban antenatal clinics in Ikwuano local government area in abia State. A total of 36 pregnant women between the age gap of 18-25, 25-30, 30-45 years were recruited in the study: 20 pregnant women from semi urban clinic and 16 from rural clinic. The tests that were carried out using standard method include full blood count (packed cell volume, haemoglobin, mean cell haemoglobin), folate concentration. Results were analyzed statistically using SPSS version 22; descriptive analysis as well as mean, range, standard error, standard deviation, percentage were all calculated. The mean standard error of mean were calculated. Anemia was defined as Hb<11.omg/dl-12.0mgldl and folate 0.lmg/ml-0.5mg/ml. The result apparently showed that the prevalence of folate deficiency anemia was relatively high with 52.78% of the women had blood folate below the normal range, 3 8.8% within the normal range and 8.33% slightly above the normal range.