[Effect of demographic factors on folate-supplementation and health-behavior of pregnant women]

Abstract

The aim was to scrutinize associations between folate-supplementation and other elements of health-behavior and demographic factors in pregnant women.

Methods: A population-based monitoring system was established in 10 districts of health visitors in Szombathely, Hungary. The system covered every woman registered as pregnant between 1st February 2008 and 1st February 2009.

Results: Young age and lower educational level is associated with less preparation for pregnancy. Those who were prepared for pregnancy, folate-intake was more than twofold, vitamin-intake was threefold higher, while prevalence of smoking was the 50% less, compared to non-prepared women . Older age, higher educational and socio-economic level was positively, while number of siblings was negatively associated with folate-supplementation. Pregnant women with low level of education (OR = 4.72; 95% CI = 2.34-9.51), and living in common-law relationships had higher chance to smoke (OR = 2.74; 95% CI = 1.54-4.89).

Conclusions: Pregnant women who do not receive folate-supplementation are younger, have lower educational and socio-economical status and show other unhealthy behavioral tendencies.