Folic acid awareness and usage among females at Saudi Electronic University in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Objectives: This study evaluates awareness of folic acid and neural tube defects, use of folic acid and knowledge of folic acid usage among female university students in Saudi Arabia. Methods: An analytical cross-sectional survey was conducted in the Jeddah branch of Saudi Electronic University. A total of 400 female students in the 19–45 years age group were contacted to participate in the study using a convenience sampling method. Eighty-eight students refused to participate, so 312 students were included in the study. Demographic characteristics of participants and their awareness, usage and knowledge of folic acid are presented as frequencies and percentages. Logistic regression analysis was used to compute crude odds ratios to show the association between demographic factors and knowledge of folic acid supplementation. A further adjusted odds ratio was calculated to control for other cofactors. A p-value < 0.05 was considered significant. Results: Overall, 81.1% (253/312) of respondents had heard of folic acid, 30.4% knew about neural tube defects, and 47.1% of respondents reported using folic acid supplements. Marriage was found to be associated with awareness of folic acid (adjusted odds ratio (95% confidence interval) = 2.64 (1.01–6.91)). Health sciences specialization and experience of pregnancy were associated with the usage of folic acid (adjusted odds ratio (95% confidence interval) = 3.46 (1.73–6.91) and adjusted odds ratio (95% confidence interval) = 6.70 (3.09–14.53), respectively). A bachelor’s and above education level was found to be associated with knowledge of folic acid deficiency leading to neural tube defects (adjusted odds ratio (95% confidence interval) = 2.03 (1.17–3.52)), and health sciences specialization was found to be associated with knowledge of natural sources of folic acid (adjusted odds ratio (95% confidence interval) = 2.33 (1.25–4.36)). Similarly, marriage was found to be associated with knowledge of the correct dosage of folic acid and timing of folic acid to prevent neural tube defects (adjusted odds ratio (95% confidence interval) = 6.34 (3.50–11.48) and adjusted odds ratio (95% confidence interval) = 3.45 (1.93–6.16), respectively). Experience of pregnancy was found to be an associated with good total knowledge of folic acid (adjusted odds ratio (95% confidence interval) = 3.05 (1.65–5.63); p = 0.0001). Conclusion: The study findings highlight the lack of awareness among female university students about the importance of folic acid usage in the prevention of neural tube defects. There is a need for interventional programs in universities to create awareness.

Level of Knowledge and Awareness of Female Undergraduate Students and Determinants of Knowledge of Folic Acid and Supplementation

“…Studies from Saudi Arabia showed similar results with knowledge of FA reported from 55.7% to as much as 90% [ 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 ]. Saudi Arabian studies also revealed that a higher level of education, specialization in health sciences and being married were factors for awareness, knowledge and use of FA [ 16 , 18 ]. Furthermore, a study showed that older women have the tendency to not use FA supplementation [ 19 ].…”

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“…The high awareness in these two studies was due to good information disseminated by doctors and nurses, while in the current study hearing about folic acid from a medical practitioner displayed a negative relation with participants' knowledge. 16 Al-Mohaithef et al, in Jeddah showed similar findings with the current where a majority heard of folic acid, but a smaller number of females knew about neural tube defects, while a bachelor's degree and married status were associated with better knowledge. 17 Raad et al, reported low knowledge among Saudi women, regarding sources of folic acid and its generic name which differs from our findings but like…”

“…Females who were younger than 18 or older than 50 years and belonging to medical and paramedical fields were excluded from the study An . English questionnaire was designed by the researchers after going through published studies [14][15][16][17][18] and literature in depth.…”

The Extent of the Use of Multivitamins and Multimineral Supplements Without Clinically Measurable Benefits Among Adults in Ha'il, Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…However, there's a lack of studies investigating MVMM usage among Saudi Arabia's population and the factors related to it. Furthermore, most studies focused only on one or two dietary supplements [14][15][16], disregarding MVMM usage, which is what this study is targeting. Our study of 310 participants showed a significant positive relationship between MVMM usage with gender and employment status.…”