Assessment of Knowledge regarding folic acid consumption among pregnant women visitng Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Lahore

Tooba Tariq; Bahisht Rizwan; Sana Farooq; Namrah Sohail; Saira Azhar; Mehvish Sheharyar

doi:10.52229/ajahs.v4i1.851

Tooba Tariq University Institute of Diet and Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, The University of Lahore, Pakistan
Bahisht Rizwan University Institute of Diet and Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, The University of Lahore, Pakistan
Sana Farooq University Institute of Diet and Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, The University of Lahore, Pakistan
Namrah Sohail University Institute of Diet and Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, The University of Lahore, Pakistan
Saira Azhar University Institute of Diet and Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, The University of Lahore, Pakistan
Mehvish Sheharyar University Institute of Diet and Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, The University of Lahore, Pakistan

DOI: https://doi.org/10.52229/ajahs.v4i1.851

Keywords: folic acid, pregnancy, birth defects, knowledge

Abstract

Folic acid is also known as Vitamin B9. It is a type of water soluble vitamin that helps overcome growth retardation and also prevents nutritional disorders at various stages of human reproductive cycles. Methods: In this cross sectional study, 100 pregnant women were enrolled for a period of 4 months at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Lahore and interviewed through a questionnaire. Results: 15 women were uneducated, 35 had no knowledge about folic acid, 40 had no knowledge about its preventive role in birth defects, only 69 women knew about correct dosage and proper duration to initiate folic acid intake. Conclusions: Majority of women had insufficient knowledge and awareness regarding folic acid deficiency which resulted in inadequate consumption of folic acid. Therefore women should be provided with knowledge and awareness from health professionals regarding folic acid deficiency. They should be aware of benefits and importance of taking folic acid thorughout pregnancy.