Folic Acid and Neural Tube Defects - Knowledge and Practices of Mothers from Pakistan

Study objective: To determine the knowledge and consumption practices of folic acid in Pakistani population. Methods: This descriptive study was conducted in the outpatient clinic of Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Unit III of Civil Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan from August, 2015 to December, 2015. During the study period 1500 pregnant women were interviewed. Patients’ demographics were recorded and their knowledge regarding folic acid consumption was evaluated. Results: Of all the patients interviewed, 648 (43.6%) patients had heard about folic acid at some point in their lives while only 216 (14.4%) reported periconceptual consumption of folic acid. The role played by folic acid in prevention of neural tube defects was known to only 276 (18.4%) patients. Counseling by physicians was considered to be the most important source of information by patients. Conclusion: The present study demonstrates low knowledge about folic acid with most of the population being unaware about its role in prevention of neural tube defects. These results emphasize the need for intervention by government health agencies to increase awareness and intake of folic acid in women of childbearing age.