The effect of education on level of knowledge towards the role and consumption of folic acid supplement in pregnancy

Background: Folic acid is one of the most important vitamins for women at reproductive age and especially pre-conception and during pregnancy. Objective: this study was to assess the effect of education on level of knowledge regarding the role and consumption of folic acid supplement in pregnant women. Methods: This was an interventional study in which 126 pregnant women referred to health centers in Qazvin during 2006-2007 were included. Health centers were selected by cluster sampling and the study population chosen randomly. Data were collected through a two-stage interview using a questionnaire. Initially, a questionnaire was completed by interview followed by a15-minute face to face education session and further re-filling of the same questionnaire two weeks later. Data were analyzed using T test, chi square test, and Fisher’s exact test. Findings: Based on results of present study, the level of knowledge on folic acid consumption among study population was demonstrated to be good (4%), moderate (57.1%), and poor (38.9%) pre-education which changed to 57.1%, 40.5% and 2.4% post-education, respectively. There was a significant difference between the level of knowledge pre- and post-education, statistically (P<0/000). Consumption of folic acid by pregnant women was found to be around 84.1% before education which rose to 96% after education program with a statistically significant difference pre- and post-education (P= 0/003). Conclusion: According to data found in our study, midwifes, medics, and health care workers are recommended to follow a given educational package in which the promotion of knowledge on folic acid supplement consumption and its advantages in reproductive age particularly in pregnant women is targeted.