RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Factors affecting the use of folic acid supplements in pregnant women in Glasgow.
JF British Journal of General Practice
JO Br J Gen Pract
FD British Journal of General Practice
SP 635
OP 637
VO 47
IS 423
A1 E McGovern
A1 H Moss
A1 G Grewal
A1 A Taylor
A1 S Bjornsson
A1 J Pell
YR 1997
UL http://bjgp.org/content/47/423/635.abstract
AB BACKGROUND: Use of folic acid supplements preconception, and during the first trimester, is associated with a reduced incidence of first and subsequent neural tube defects. The Department of Health guidelines recommend the use of folic acid supplements by all women planning a pregnancy. AIM: To ascertain the proportion using folic acid supplements and the factors affecting their use. METHOD: Questionnaires were distributed postpartum to the 515 women who delivered normal babies in three maternity units in Glasgow over a four-week period. RESULTS: Forms were completed by 487 (95%) women. Only 57% took supplements at some point during their pregnancy, and only 21% took them before conception. Failure to take supplements was significantly associated with unplanned pregnancy, younger age, and previous pregnancies. Lack of awareness of the potential benefits associated with folic acid use was the commonest reason cited by women for not taking supplements. CONCLUSIONS: Increased health education through health care professionals and mass media campaigns can improve awareness and thereby increase the use of supplements in planned pregnancies. However, 42% of women in our study had unplanned pregnancies. Intake of folic acid supplements in this group can only be increased by improvements in dietary intake within the population as a whole, and by fortification of commonly ingested foods.