Women’s Knowledge and Perception about Benefits of Folic Acid Intake Before and During Pregnancy According to Health Belief Model in Beni-Suief City

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Demonstrator in Maternal & Newborn Health Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Beni-Suief University.

2 Assistant Professor of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University.

3 Assistant Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecological Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Assuit University.

4 Lecturer of Maternal & Newborn Health Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Beni-Suief University.

Abstract

Over the past 5 decades, there has been a rapid growth of knowledge about folic acid (FA) and its role in the prevention of Neural Tube Defects (NTDs). The present study aimed to assess women’s knowledge and perception regarding benefits of FA intake before and during pregnancy according to the health belief model (HBM). Study design: descriptive cross - sectional. Sample and settings: carried on a total of 500 pregnant women in antenatal care units which affiliates to 5 settings in Beni-Sueif city. Tool: semi structured interview questionnaire included the MBM. Results of this study indicated Just 19.6% had adequate knowledge about FA, while 70.8% of women take FA currently, also majority of women don't take it currently as they need prescription to take it. And (84%) of women had positive perception of importance of FA. Conclusion and Recommendations: education, pregnancy planning, and residence were statistically significant factors affecting women's knowledge and perception related to FA intake behavior. Based upon findings of the current study, a well-organized periconceptional FA supplementation program is required, and application of HBM is recommended to improve women& health care provider about perception related to FA intake benefits.

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