Knowledge of Pregnant Women Regarding Folic Acid: A Suggested Plan of Action.

Background: Folic acid, sometimes called folate, is a B vitamin (B9); it is associated with better pregnancy outcomes. Aim of the study was to assess the pregnant women’s knowledge regarding folic acid and to suggest a plan of action. Design, A descriptive exploratory design was adopted. Sample- a convenience sample of 200 pregnant women was recruited for the study. Setting- antenatal clinic at El Manial Maternity Hospital. Tools- two tools were developed by the researchers to collect the data. Structured interview that is included data related to personal background, medical history, past and present obstetric history; 2ndtool to assess the knowledge of pregnant women regarding folic acid. Results indicated that, more than half of the sample didn’t know what is folic acid and its importance during pregnancy (57%) and didn’t receive any vitamins or supplementation during pregnancy. Low percentage of the sample knew that, it should be taken during first trimester of pregnancy while, 56% of the sample didn’t know at which time of pregnancy they should receive folic acid. High percentage of the sample (79%) didn’t know the proper dose they should receive per day. Less than half of the sample (43%) had knowledge regarding folic acid, high percentage of them mentioned that, the main source of their knowledge regarding folic acid was the Obstetrician (79%) and only 14% mentioned that, the nurses were the main source of their knowledge regarding folic acid. conclusion, the pregnant women have lack of knowledge regarding folic acid and its importance during pregnancy and the majority of them didn’t receive it during pregnancy. Recommendation, it is very crucial to raise pregnant women’s awareness about folic acid and its importance during pregnancy. A suggested plan of action should be developed aiming to improve pregnant women’s knowledge regarding folic acid.