Effect of Educational Program on Married Women's Awareness Regarding Folic Acid Intake

Background: Folic acid is one of the essential vitamins for women of childbearing age. Aim: To evaluate the effect of educational program on married women's awareness regarding folic acid intake. Research Design : A quasi-experimental research design (pre and post) was utilized to fulfill the aim of the study. Setting : The study was conducted at outpatient antenatal clinics in Minia General Hospital. Sample: A convenient sample of (100) married women who met the inclusion criteria was recruited. Tools : Three tools were utilized, tool (1) an interviewing questionnaire include (socio-demographic characteristics, medical and past and present obstetric history), tool (2) women's knowledge about folic acid, and tool (3) women's self-reported practice regarding folic acid intake. Results: Demonstrates that the majority of studied women (86%) have poor knowledge about folic acid in the pre-test, while (76% and 61%) of them have good knowledge in the post-test and at the follow-up, respectively. Additionally, the majority of studied women (86%) had an unsatisfactory level of self-reported practice regarding folic acid intake in the pre-test, while (82%) of them had a satisfactory level in the post-test at the follow-up. Also, there was a statistically significant relationship between total knowledge and total practice regarding folic acid pre and post-educational program implementation. Conclusion: Statistically significant improvement in women's knowledge and self-reported practices regarding folic acid intake after implementing the educational program. Recommendation : Regular educational program for married/unmarried women about the importance of folic acid intake and follow-up of FA nutrition status by dietary assessment or by estimation of blood folic acid concentration is needed.