ABSTRACT

 The study assessed knowledge and practice among childbearing age women on periconceptional folic acid supplementation (PFAS) and its health implications. The study adopted survey research design. A total of 398 questionnaires were randomly issued out by the researcher to the childbearing age women in Federal Medical Center, Umuahia. Result obtained showed that more than one third (41%) of the respondents were at parity 0. Approximately 69 (17.7%) of the respondents had experienced at least an incident of adverse pregnancy outcome, and 320 (82.3%) had no experienced at least an incident of adverse pregnancy outcome. The use of oral contraceptives was found to be uncommon in the respondents and approximately halfofthose that had taken it at some point had done so without the benefit of prescription from qualified medical personnel. Majority of the respondents 311 (80%) indicated that they were on prescription medication and they were actually taking routine drugs. About 67% reported that they took folic acid in the present pregnancy with their routine drug regimen but only 30% take it daily. Result obtained showed that the relationship between knowledge of folic acid use in pregnancy, age, parity and educational status. A majority of the respondents (n=389) in the 25 - 31years group knew what folic acid was. There was a significant relationship between age and knowledge offolic acid (P < 0.05). Also 100.0% ofrespondents at parity 5 and 7 knew what folic acid was. Therefore, it was concluded that a large percentage of the women had limited information on the use and importance of folate in pregnancy. Many missed supplementation at the critical periconceptional period and began from the third month onwards. Based on the above observations, the study recommends that correct information is imperative for mothers from healthcare personnel. Government should start birth anomaly registries and also morbidity and mortality reports as obtains in some more developed countries, these figures will help plan and execute projects aimed at reducing birth defects including NTDs to the barest minimum. Government should spearhead widespread enlightenment campaigns on folate importance in pregnancy, also legislation should be passed to encourage manufacturers of feminine hygiene products like sanitary pads to put reminders on the importance ofincreasing folate intake before conception. Hospitals both private and public ones should ensure that a qualified Nutritionist/Dietitian is attached to their antenatal clinics to disseminate correct information to pregnant women.