ABSTRACT

Folic acid (FA) given before and during pregnancy reduces the risk of several birth defects, including neurologic, cardiac, urinary and other congenital anomalies in the new-born This study assessed the knowledge and practice of periconceptional folic acid supplementation among women of child bearing age (18-45 years) in Ikwuano Local Government Area, Abia State. The study was a cross-sectional study. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to select a total of 440 women of child bearing age (18-45 years). Data on socio-demographic/economic characteristics, awareness, knowledge and use of folic acid supplementation were collected using structured and validated questionnaire. Anthropometry was carried out using standard methods. The IBM SPSS version 22.0 computer programme was used to analyze the data. Significant relationship was judged at p ≤ 0.05. Data obtained were described using frequency, percentage, mean and standard deviation. Pearson correlation analysis was used to analyse the relationship between socio-demographic/economic characteristics, knowledge and use of peri-conceptional folic acid supplementation. Result revealed that majority (80.2%) of the women were married and more than half (56.4%) have given birth to 3-5 children. Majority (84.8%) of the women attained a tertiary education. However, majority (95.5%) of the respondents were aware of peri-conceptional folic acid supplementation. Most (71.6%) of them got to know about folic acid supplementation from antenatal clinic while others got their awareness from school (6.1%), church (1.4%), seminar/workshop (6.4%), from friends and relatives (8.6%). However, more than half (51.6%) of the respondents had a good knowledge about periconceptional folic acid supplementation, 23.4% had an average knowledge while some (25.0%) had a poor knowledge about peri-conceptional folic acid supplementation. Meanwhile, majority (92.0%) had used folic acid supplements. Some (43.9%) used it before getting pregnant; some (44.5%) used it during pregnancy while few (3.0%) used it after giving birth. The prevalence of underweight, overweight and obesity among the women were 7.5%, 23.9% and 31.1% respectively. However, 17% of the respondents had obesity grade I, 8% had obesity grade II while 6.1% had obesity grade III. According to the waist hip ratio of the respondents, majority (74.3%) of the respondents were normal while 25.7% were at risk of cardiovascular diseases. There was a significant relationship between marital status, knowledge and use of folic acid supplements. This study underscores the need for better health education and greater involvement of health professionals in promoting essential information among women, especially in their preconception period. Promoting folic acid supplementation before pregnancy and during the childbearing ages is essential.