Knowledge and use of folic acid for prevention of birth defects amongst Honduran women

Abstract

Purpose: To characterize determinants of folic acid (FA) use among women of reproductive age and patient education practices of health care professionals in one region of Honduras.

Methods: 508 female outpatients and 128 health workers were interviewed in six primary care clinics in Honduras. Results were analyzed using univariate and multivariate regression models.

Results: The survey showed that 45% patients were familiar with FA. Of that number, 30% knew appropriate timing of consumption and 25% reported proper pre-natal supplementation. Increasing education was strongly correlated with knowledge of folic acid function (OR=252.52, P<0.0001) and actual use (OR=12.65, P<0.000). Age is associated with knowledge of proper timing of FA usage (OR=3.94, P<0.01). Most women learned about FA from medical professionals, but only half of providers educate their female patients about FA.

Conclusions: Healthcare providers should remember to discuss the role of folic acid with their patients, particularly those of low education and at the extremes of reproductive age. While long-term efforts to develop fortification programs continue, interim Honduran health campaigns to increase proper consumption of folic acid should target these particularly vulnerable populations.