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Sacral Spina Bifida Occulta: A Frequency Analysis of Secular Change. ANTHROPOLOGICAL REVIEW 2022. [DOI: 10.18778/1898-6773.85.2.02] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Substantial relaxation of natural selection beginning around 1900 changed the mutation/selection balance of modern genetic material, producing an increase in variable anatomical structures. While multiple structures have been affected, the temporal increase in variations of the sacrum, specifically, ‘Sacral Spina Bifida Occulta,’ have been reliably demonstrated on a localised scale. Calculation of largescale frequency has been hindered by the localised nature of these publications, the morphological variability of this variation, and potential pathological associations, which have produced divergent classifications, and conflicting reported rates of occurrence. A systematic review of the reported literature was conducted to provide an objective analysis of Sacral Spina Bifida Occulta frequency from 2500 BCE to the present. This review was designed to compensate for observed inconsistencies in reporting and to ascertain, for the first time, the temporal trajectory of this secular trend. A systematic review of Sacral Spina Bifida Occulta literature was conducted through the strict use of clinical meta-analysis criteria. Publications were retrieved from four databases: PubMed, Embase, the Adelaide University Library database, and Google Scholar. Data were separated into three historical groups, (1 = <1900, 2 = 1900 to 1980 and 3 = >1980), and frequency outcomes compared, to determine temporal rates of occurrence.
A total of 39/409 publications were included in the final analysis, representing data for 16,167 sacra, spanning a period of 4,500 years. Statistically significant results were obtained, with total open S1 frequency increasing from 2.34%, (79 to 1900CE), to 4.80%, (1900 to 1980CE) and to 5.43% (>1980CE). These increases were significant at p<0.0001, with Chi-squared analysis. A clear secular increase in the global frequency of Sacral Spina Bifida Occulta has been demonstrated from 1900 to the present. This research provides a novel and adaptable framework for the future assessment of variation distribution, with important implications for the fields of biological anthropology and bioarchaeology.
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Kikuchi D, Obara T, Usuzaki T, Yonezawa Y, Yamashita T, Oyanagi G, Noda A, Ueno F, Murakami K, Matsubara H, Ishikuro M, Metoki H, Kikuya M, Kuriyama S. Evaluating folic acid supplementation among Japanese pregnant women with dietary intake of folic acid lower than 480 µg per day: results from TMM BirThree Cohort Study. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2020; 35:964-969. [PMID: 32166991 DOI: 10.1080/14767058.2020.1739020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Objective: In Japan, supplementation with 400 µg of folic acid per day is recommended for women who are planning to get pregnant to decrease the risk of their babies getting neural tube defects (NTD). However, the proportion of women who have taken folic acid supplements before conception is low among Japanese pregnant women. In addition, the dietary intake of folic acid has not yet reached the government recommended dietary intake levels (480 µg per day). This study aimed to clarify the prevalence and determinants of adequate folic acid supplements among Japanese pregnant women with dietary folic acid intake lower than 480 µg per day.Methods: This cross-sectional study was a part of the Tohoku Medical Megabank Project Birth and Three-Generation Cohort Study. We collected information on folic acid supplements before conception, sociological/lifestyle characteristics, and food consumption. The primary outcome was the use of folic acid supplements (adequate or inadequate, based on the timing of initiation of folic acid supplements). Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to examine the association between sociological/lifestyle characteristics and the adequate intake of folic acid supplements.Results: Among the 11,562 pregnant women who took lower than 480 µg per day of folic acid from food, the prevalence of adequate users was 18.0%. Pregnant women who reported adequate use of folic acid supplements were more likely to be older and educated; and reported higher household income, and history of fertility treatment. Conversely, they were less likely to be ever or current smokers and multipara.Conclusion: This study found that the prevalence of folic acid supplements use for the prevention of NTD among Japanese pregnant women was still low.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daisuke Kikuchi
- Division of Molecular Epidemiology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Taku Obara
- Division of Molecular Epidemiology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan.,Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan.,Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University Hospital, Sendai, Japan
| | - Takuma Usuzaki
- Division of Molecular Epidemiology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Yudai Yonezawa
- Division of Molecular Epidemiology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan.,Innovation Division, Kagome Co., Ltd, Nasushiobara, Japan
| | - Takahiro Yamashita
- Division of Molecular Epidemiology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan.,Innovation Division, Kagome Co., Ltd, Nasushiobara, Japan
| | - Gen Oyanagi
- Division of Molecular Epidemiology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan.,Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Aoi Noda
- Division of Molecular Epidemiology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan.,Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Fumihiko Ueno
- Division of Molecular Epidemiology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan.,Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Keiko Murakami
- Division of Molecular Epidemiology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan.,Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Hiroko Matsubara
- Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Mami Ishikuro
- Division of Molecular Epidemiology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan.,Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Hirohito Metoki
- Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan.,Division of Public Health, Hygiene and Epidemiology, Tohoku Medical and Pharmaceutical University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Masahiro Kikuya
- Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan.,Department of Hygiene and Public Health, Teikyo University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shinichi Kuriyama
- Division of Molecular Epidemiology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan.,Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan.,International Research Institute of Disaster Science, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
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Slagman A, Harriss L, Campbell S, Muller R, McDermott R. Folic acid deficiency declined substantially after introduction of the mandatory fortification programme in Queensland, Australia: a secondary health data analysis. Public Health Nutr 2019; 22:3426-3434. [PMID: 31482769 PMCID: PMC10260513 DOI: 10.1017/s1368980019002258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2018] [Revised: 05/10/2019] [Accepted: 05/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the prevalence of folic acid deficiency in Queensland-wide data of routine laboratory measurements, especially in high-risk sub-populations. DESIGN Secondary health data analysis. SETTING Analysis of routine folic acid tests conducted by Pathology Queensland (AUSLAB). PARTICIPANTS Female and male persons aged 0-117 years with routine folic acid testing between 1 January 2004 and 31 December 2015. If repeat tests on the same person were conducted, only the initial test was analysed (n 291 908). RESULTS Overall the prevalence of folic acid deficiency declined from 7·5 % before (2004-2008) to 1·1 % after mandatory folic acid fortification (2010-2015; P < 0·001) reflecting a relative reduction of 85 %. Levels of erythrocyte folate increased significantly from a median (interquartile range) of 820 (580-1180) nmol/l in 2008 before fortification to 1020 (780-1350) nmol/l in 2010 (P < 0·001) after fortification. The prevalence of folic acid deficiency in the Indigenous population (14 792 samples) declined by 93 % (17·4 v. 1·3 %; P < 0·001); and by 84 % in non-Indigenous residents (7·0 v. 1·1 %; P < 0·001). In a logistic regression model the observed decrease of folic acid deficiency between 2008 and 2010 was found independent of gender, age and ethnicity (ORcrude = 0·20; 95 % CI 0·18, 0·23; P < 0·001; ORadjusted = 0·21; 95 % CI 0·18, 0·23; P < 0·001). CONCLUSIONS While voluntary folic acid fortification, introduced in 1995, failed especially in high-risk subgroups, the 2009 mandatory folic acid fortification programme coincided with a substantial decrease of folic acid deficiency in the entire population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Slagman
- James Cook University, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, College of Public Health, Centre for Chronic Disease Prevention, Cairns, Australia
- Notfallmedizinische Versorgungsforschung, Notfall- und Akutmedizin CVK, CCM, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Linton Harriss
- James Cook University, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, College of Public Health, Centre for Chronic Disease Prevention, Cairns, Australia
| | - Sandra Campbell
- James Cook University, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, College of Public Health, Centre for Chronic Disease Prevention, Cairns, Australia
- Central Queensland University, Cairns, Australia
| | - Reinhold Muller
- James Cook University, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, College of Public Health, Centre for Chronic Disease Prevention, Cairns, Australia
| | - Robyn McDermott
- James Cook University, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, College of Public Health, Centre for Chronic Disease Prevention, Cairns, Australia
- University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
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Slagman A, Harriss L, Campbell S, Muller R, McDermott R. Low proportions of folic acid deficiency after introduction of mandatory folic acid fortification in remote areas of northern Queensland, Australia: a secondary health data analysis. Biomarkers 2019; 24:684-691. [PMID: 31382779 DOI: 10.1080/1354750x.2019.1652346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Background: Australia implemented mandatory folic acid fortification of bread-making flour in 2009. Objective: To assess the impact of folic acid fortification in remote vs. regional urban areas and Indigenous vs. non-Indigenous populations in northern Queensland. Methods: Routinely collected data on folic acid measurements in remote areas and two regional urban centres in northern Queensland between 2004 and 2015 were analysed (n = 13,929) dichotomously (folic deficient vs. non-deficient). Results: Overall prevalence of folic acid deficiency was 3.2% (235/7282) in urban centres compared with 7.2% (480/6647) in remote areas (p < 0.001), and 9.3% (393/4240) in the Indigenous population compared with 3.2% (273/8451) in the non-Indigenous population (p < 0.001). Prevalence of folic acid deficiency dropped from 12.2% (n = 481) in 2004-2008 to 1.5% (n = 126) in 2010-2015 (p < 0.001). This translates into a relative risk reduction (RRR) of 88%. RRR was 79% (7.2% vs. 1.5%) in urban centres, 91% (17.3% vs. 1.5%) in remote areas, 92% (20.5% vs. 1.6%) in the Indigenous population and 80% (7.4% vs. 1.5%) in the non-Indigenous population (p < 0.001 for all). Conclusions: Substantial declines of folic acid deficiency to low and comparable proportions in former high-risk populations indicate that mandatory folic acid fortification of flour has had a population-wide benefit in northern Queensland.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Slagman
- College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, Centre for Chronic Disease Prevention, James Cook University , Cairns , Australia.,Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Emergency and Acute Medicine (CVK, CCM) , Berlin , Germany
| | - Linton Harriss
- College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, Centre for Chronic Disease Prevention, James Cook University , Cairns , Australia
| | - Sandra Campbell
- College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, Centre for Chronic Disease Prevention, James Cook University , Cairns , Australia.,Centre for Indigenous Health Equity Research, Central Queensland University , Cairns , Australia
| | - Reinhold Muller
- College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, Centre for Chronic Disease Prevention, James Cook University , Cairns , Australia
| | - Robyn McDermott
- College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, Centre for Chronic Disease Prevention, James Cook University , Cairns , Australia.,Public Health, School of Health Sciences, University of South Australia , Adelaide , Australia
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Tsehay B, Shitie D, Lake A, Abebaw E, Taye A, Essa E. Determinants and seasonality of major structural birth defects among newborns delivered at primary and referral hospital of East and West Gojjam zones, Northwest Ethiopia 2017-2018: case-control study. BMC Res Notes 2019; 12:495. [PMID: 31399144 PMCID: PMC6688374 DOI: 10.1186/s13104-019-4541-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2019] [Accepted: 08/03/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective Although infant mortality because of birth defect has increased in both developed and developing countries, had not got attention like other health issues at national, regional, or local levels. Documenting the risk factors that influence the occurrence of birth defects and its seasonality will help to inform the community and to develop preventive strategies for the country. Results Factors associated with higher likelihood of a major structural birth defects included maternal age; neonates born from women living in urban; and in Dega; history of fever during pregnancy; intake of herbal medicine; and drinking alcohol. Counselling for pregnancy preparation and folic acid supplementation was found protective for the likelihood of birth defect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Binalfew Tsehay
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Debre Markos University, Debre Markos, Ethiopia.
| | - Desalegn Shitie
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Debre Markos University, Debre Markos, Ethiopia
| | - Akilog Lake
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Debre Markos Referral Hospital, Debre Markos, Ethiopia
| | - Erimiyas Abebaw
- Department of Pediatrics, Debre Markos University, Debre Markos, Ethiopia
| | - Amisalu Taye
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Debre Markos University, Debre Markos, Ethiopia
| | - Enatinesh Essa
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Debre Markos University, Debre Markos, Ethiopia
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Welderufael AL, Berihu BA, Berhe Y, Magana T, Asfaw S, Gebreselassie K, Belay E, Kebede H, Mulugeta A. Nutritional status among women whose pregnancy outcome was afflicted with neural tube defects in Tigray region of Ethiopia. Brain Dev 2019; 41:406-412. [PMID: 30651190 DOI: 10.1016/j.braindev.2018.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2018] [Revised: 12/03/2018] [Accepted: 12/26/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nutritional deficiency in pregnant women is a confirmed cause of neural tube defects (NTDs). Alongside to this background, We sought to determine the nutritional status and level of awareness on the issue of the NTDs as well as folic acid (FA) utilization among women who born infants with NTDs in Tigray region of Ethiopia. METHOD A standard interviewer and a food frequency questionnaire was used to obtain information from mothers of cases with neural tube defects (n = 205) and their controls (n = 412). Demographic information, weekly food frequency consumption, information on awareness on the issue of the NTDs as well as folic acid (FA) use was collected. RESULT The mean age of the mothers of the cases and controls was 26.5 years (range 17-43 years) and 26.05 years (range 18-40 years), respectively. Approximately 92.2% (189/205) of the cases and 90.5% (373/412) control mothers do not know the term folic acid (FA). Notably, all participant mothers (100%) did not understand that NTDs are a serious health problem associated with inadequate intake of FA and none of them used FA prior to conception. Food frequency analysis revealed that except for cereals (p = 0.12) and milk products (p = 0.8), the proportion of the consumed food type within seven days recalls period showed a statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) as compared with controls. The dietary diversity score assessment showed those attained low and high dietary diversity score were a statistically significant difference (p = 0.0003) and (p = 0.0002) respectively) as compared with controls, but the medium dietary diversity score no significant variation was found (p = 0.35). CONCLUSION This study has shown none of the study participants do understand that NTDs are a serious health problem associated with inadequate intake of FA. Dietary diversity score was significantly associated with incidence of NTDs. This Ethiopian study also highlighted the need of considering the basic food in future programs of food fortification with folic acid, preconceptional folic acid supplementation and adequate dietary intake counseling. Advance research is required to find out the gene-nutrient and gene environment interactions, as well as particular causative factors associated with NTDs in Ethiopia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abadi Leul Welderufael
- Department of Pediatrics and child health, School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Mekelle University, Mekelle, Ethiopia
| | - Birhane Alem Berihu
- Department of Anatomy, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Mekelle University, Mekelle, Ethiopia.
| | - Yibrah Berhe
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Mekelle University, Mekelle, Ethiopia
| | - Tony Magana
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Mekelle University, Mekelle, Ethiopia
| | - Selemawit Asfaw
- Department of Nutrition, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Mekelle University, Mekelle, Ethiopia
| | - Kibrom Gebreselassie
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Mekelle University, Mekelle, Ethiopia
| | - Ezra Belay
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Mekelle University, Mekelle, Ethiopia
| | - Hayelom Kebede
- Department of Anatomy, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Mekelle University, Mekelle, Ethiopia
| | - Afework Mulugeta
- Department of Nutrition, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Mekelle University, Mekelle, Ethiopia
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Taye M, Afework M, Fantaye W, Diro E, Worku A. Factors associated with congenital anomalies in Addis Ababa and the Amhara Region, Ethiopia: a case-control study. BMC Pediatr 2018; 18:142. [PMID: 29699508 PMCID: PMC5921791 DOI: 10.1186/s12887-018-1096-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2016] [Accepted: 03/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The early stage of embryo development is extremely vulnerable to various teratogenic factors, leading to congenital anomalies. In Ethiopia, a significant number of babies are born with congenital anomalies, but the risk factors for the anomalies have never been studied. Understanding the specific risk factors for congenital anomalies is very essential to provide health education that aims at creating awareness and establishing preventive strategic plan/s. The main objective of this study was to assess the risk factors associated with congenital anomalies in Addis Ababa and the Amhara Region, Ethiopia. Methods A case-control study was conducted from January 1- June 30, 2015. The participants were recruited at the purposively selected hospitals in Addis Ababa and the Amhara Region. A total of 207 cases and 207 controls were included in the study. Cases were neonates, infants, and children 0-11 months of age with external and internal major congenital anomalies diagnosed by pediatricians. Controls were neonates, infants, and children 0-11 months of age without external and internal anomalies. Data on sociodemographic characteristics, exposure to risk factors, and reproductive history were collected by face to face interviews with children’s mothers/caregivers using a structured questionnaire. Binary logistic regression was employed to explore risk factors associated with the occurrence of the problems. Results About 87.4% of the children were below 6 months, and 12.6% were between 6 and 11 months. The majority (59.9%) of the children were male, with the M: F sex ratio of 1.49. The mean age of the mothers was 26 years (16-45 years). Unidentified medication use during early pregnancy (AOR = 4.595; 95% CI: 1.868-11.301, P-value = 0.001), maternal alcohol drinking (AOR = 2.394; 95% CI: 1.212-4.726, P-value = 0.012), and exposure to chemicals (AOR = 9.964; 95% CI = 1.238-80.193, P-value = 0.031) were significantly associated with the occurrence of congenital anomalies. Iron folate use (AOR = 0.051; 95% CI: 0.010-0.260, P-value = < 0.001) before and during early pregnancy had a protective effect on congenital anomaly. Conclusion Unidentified medication use, alcohol drinking during early pregnancy, and exposure to chemicals had a significant association with the occurrence of congenital anomalies, whereas iron folate use before and during early pregnancy had a protective effect from congenital anomalies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Molla Taye
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, the University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia.
| | - Mekbeb Afework
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Wondwossen Fantaye
- School of Dentistry, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Ermias Diro
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, the University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Alemayehu Worku
- School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
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Kim MJ, Kim J, Hwang EJ, Song Y, Kim H, Hyun T. Awareness, knowledge, and use of folic acid among non-pregnant Korean women of childbearing age. Nutr Res Pract 2018; 12:78-84. [PMID: 29399300 PMCID: PMC5792260 DOI: 10.4162/nrp.2018.12.1.78] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2017] [Revised: 12/27/2017] [Accepted: 12/28/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES Folic acid supplementation before pregnancy is known to reduce the risk of neural tube defects. The purposes of this study were to investigate the awareness, knowledge, and use of folic acid supplements along with their associated factors among non-pregnant Korean women of childbearing age. SUBJECTS/METHODS From August 2012 to March 2013, 704 women aged 19-45 years completed a self-administered questionnaire regarding their awareness, knowledge, and use of folic acid as well as questions to identify risk of inadequate folate intake. RESULTS Approximately 67% of women reported that they had heard of folic acid, and 23.7% had knowledge of both the role of folic acid in preventing birth defects and appropriate time for taking folic acid supplements to prevent birth defects. However, only 9.4% of women took folic acid supplements at the time of the survey. Women aged 19-24 years, unmarried women, and women who had never been pregnant were less likely to be aware and knowledgeable of folic acid or take folic acid supplements. In addition, women at high risk of inadequate folate intake were less likely to take folic acid supplements. In a multivariate analysis, women aged 19-24 years, women with a high school diploma or lower education level, and unmarried women were less likely to be aware and have knowledge of folic acid. The percentage of women taking folic acid supplements was significantly higher among knowledgeable women than among unknowledgeable women. CONCLUSIONS These results support our hypothesis that women with knowledge of folic acid are more likely to take folic acid supplements. Therefore, educational programs or campaigns to improve knowledge regarding the importance of folic acid and to promote consumption of folic acid supplements as well as folate-rich foods are needed to target young, less educated, and unmarried women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Ji Kim
- Department of Food and Nutrition, Chungbuk National University, 1, Chungdae-ro, Seowon-gu, Cheongju-si, Chungbuk 28644, Korea
| | - Jihyun Kim
- Department of Food and Nutrition, Chungbuk National University, 1, Chungdae-ro, Seowon-gu, Cheongju-si, Chungbuk 28644, Korea
| | - Eun Joung Hwang
- Department of Food and Nutrition, Chungbuk National University, 1, Chungdae-ro, Seowon-gu, Cheongju-si, Chungbuk 28644, Korea
| | - YoonJu Song
- Department of Food and Nutrition, The Catholic University, Gyeonggi 14662, Korea
| | - Heon Kim
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Medical Research Institute, Chungbuk National University, Chungbuk 28644, Korea
| | - Taisun Hyun
- Department of Food and Nutrition, Chungbuk National University, 1, Chungdae-ro, Seowon-gu, Cheongju-si, Chungbuk 28644, Korea
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Awareness, use and information sources of folic acid supplementation to prevent neural tube defects in pregnant Japanese women. Public Health Nutr 2017; 21:732-739. [PMID: 29160184 DOI: 10.1017/s1368980017003172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Folic acid supplementation and folate-rich diets are recommended for women of childbearing age worldwide to prevent congenital anomalies. We aimed to determine the current status of folic acid supplementation among pregnant Japanese women and identify means to increase the intake of these supplements. DESIGN Cross-sectional study. SUBJECTS A total of 1862 pregnant women who consulted the perinatal centre from September 2014 to December 2015 completed a questionnaire concerning knowledge about folic acid, sources of information and the use of folic acid supplements. SETTING Osaka Medical Center and Research Institute for Maternal and Child Health (Japan). RESULTS In our study population, only 20·5 % of pregnant women took folic acid supplements periconceptionally even though 70·4 % knew about the protective effect of folic acid. A multivariate analysis demonstrated that age ≥35 years (OR=2·80; 95 % CI 1·24, 6·29) and knowledge of the benefits of folic acid (OR=2·64; 95 % CI 1·92, 3·62) were associated with periconceptional folic acid use, and multiparity was negatively associated with such use. Compared with those who took folic acid supplements periconceptionally, women who did not take supplements received information through passive and less interactive media. CONCLUSIONS Although folic acid awareness was relatively high among pregnant Japanese women, folic acid supplementation before conception was insufficient. To increase the intake of folic acid supplements in countries in which foods are not fortified with folic acid, an effective public health approach promoting behavioural change is necessary for women of reproductive age.
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Awareness and uptake of measures for preventing CNS birth defects among mothers of affected children in a sub-Saharan African neurosurgeon's practice. Childs Nerv Syst 2015; 31:2311-7. [PMID: 25930723 DOI: 10.1007/s00381-015-2718-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2014] [Accepted: 04/19/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The two main measures used in the reduction of the birth prevalence of CNS birth defects are (i) folic acid, FA, supplementation/food fortification for reproductively active women as the primary one, and (ii) timely screening/intrauterine diagnosis, and possibly termination of the affected pregnancies. MATERIALS AND METHODS We performed a cross-sectional survey of the levels of awareness and uptake of these measures in a consecutive cohort of mothers of children with CNS birth defects presenting for neurosurgical treatment in an African clinical practice. RESULTS There were 151 cases, 101 of them neural tube defects, NTDs. The level of awareness of the role of FA in prevention of these defects was low, 18.8%, and dietary multivitamin supplementation was ingested by only10.7% of the study subjects. The mothers' obstetric behavior in the index pregnancies was suboptimal: pregnancy registration and commencement of obstetric supplements were at median gestational age of 4 months, and obstetric ultrasonography was obtained infrequently, and in an unregulated milieu. Only 17.8% of these CNS birth defects were diagnosed prenatally, but >80% of the mothers would have liked to have the intrauterine diagnosis, and about 23% might have asked for termination of these pregnancies. CONCLUSIONS The levels of awareness and uptake of measures for preventing CNS birth defects among mothers of affected children in this sub-Saharan African women cohort are low. Interestingly, many of the mothers were very favorably disposed to receiving, and acting on, the information about the screen detected CNS birth defects in their fetuses.
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El-mani S, Charlton KE, Flood VM, Mullan J. Limited knowledge about folic acid and iodine nutrition in pregnant women reflected in supplementation practices. Nutr Diet 2014. [DOI: 10.1111/1747-0080.12132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Souad El-mani
- School of Medicine; Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health; University of Wollongong; Wollongong Australia
| | - Karen E. Charlton
- School of Medicine; Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health; University of Wollongong; Wollongong Australia
| | - Victoria M. Flood
- Faculty of Health Sciences; University of Sydney and St. Vincent's Hospital; Sydney New South Wales Australia
- Faculty of Social Sciences; University of Wollongong (Honorary position)
| | - Judy Mullan
- School of Medicine; Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health; University of Wollongong; Wollongong Australia
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An increase in neural tube defect notifications, South Australia, 2009-2010. Western Pac Surveill Response J 2013; 4:30-9. [PMID: 24015369 DOI: 10.5365/wpsar.2012.3.3.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In South Australia, reporting of live births, stillbirths of at least 20 weeks or 400 g birth weight, termination of pregnancies and congenital anomalies is mandated. We describe the investigation of an increase in notifications of neural tube defects (NTDs) in South Australia in 2009 and 2010 using data from several surveillance systems. METHODS NTD trend data from 1966 to 2010 were reviewed. Comparisons of pregnancies affected by an NTD in 2009 and 2010 were made with pregnancies affected by an NTD in the period 2003-2008 and with all pregnancies in 2009 and 2010. Statistical analysis was undertaken using Poisson regression, χ(2) or Fisher's exact tests. RESULTS The prevalence of NTD-affected pregnancies was 1.95 per 1000 births (39 cases) in 2010 and 1.91 per 1000 births in 2009 (38 cases), the highest annual rates since 1991. Case series comparisons indicated women with NTD-affected pregnancies in 2009 and 2010 were less likely to be Caucasian compared with women who had NTD-affected pregnancies in the period 2003-2008. Women born in the Middle East and African region (n = 7) were significantly more likely to have NTD-affected pregnancies in the years 2009 and 2010 (relative risk: 3.03; 95% confidence interval: 1.39-6.62) compared with women born in the Oceania region. DISCUSSION The increased notifications of NTDs can only be partially explained by the increase in numbers of women from the Middle East and African region, with no other contributory causes revealed. This analysis highlighted areas where prevention efforts should be strengthened and surveillance data improved.
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Zhang Q, Xue P, Li H, Bao Y, Wu L, Chang S, Niu B, Yang F, Zhang T. Histone modification mapping in human brain reveals aberrant expression of histone H3 lysine 79 dimethylation in neural tube defects. Neurobiol Dis 2013; 54:404-13. [PMID: 23376398 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2013.01.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2012] [Revised: 01/11/2013] [Accepted: 01/22/2013] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Neural tube defects (NTDs) are severe, common birth defects that result from failure of neural tube closure, but their pathological mechanisms are not yet fully understood. Histone modifications have an important role in gene regulation during fetal development. We therefore hypothesized that the human NTDs may be partly caused by an imbalance in metabolism, perhaps caused by nutritional deficiencies, that leads to aberrant histone modifications. Here, we report a screen of fetal brain histone modifications using 2D nano-LC strong cation exchange reverse phase (SCX/RP) MS/MS and the identification of 61 unique post-translational modification sites on histones H1, H2a, H2b, H3, and H4. Of these, 38 sites are novel (not already found in the Uniprot database). Furthermore, we compared the histone modification patterns between normal brains and NTD brains special of which maternal folate levels were lower than of normal control. The results showed that histone H3 lysine 79 dimethylation (H3K79me2) and a novel identified site, H2bK5 monomethylation (H2bK5me1), were completely absent in individuals with NTDs. Follow-up Western blotting validated the decreased H3K79me2 expression in brains with NTDs, but the amplified samples experiments displayed that decreased H3K79me2 expression was not suitable for all samples with NTDs. Furthermore, folate-free treated mouse embryonic stem cells induced the decreased H3K79me2 level. Subsequently, our ChIP results in normal fetal brain tissues showed that H3K79me2 binds to SUFU, RARA and ITGA3 which induce NTDs phenotype after knockout in mice, and in NTDs brain tissues the bindings of H3K79me2 to these three genes were significantly altered. Taken together, our study indicated that low folate treatment might attenuate H3K79 dimethylation, further affect its regulate activation on target genes, some of which are NTDs-resulting associated, lastly interrupt early embryo developing. Our study increases the understanding of normal fetal brain histone modifications and provides a platform for investigating histone modifications in neural disease and also has an insight into a potential role of aberrant histone modification in etiology of NTDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qin Zhang
- Beijing Municipal Key Laboratory of Child Development and Nutriomics, Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing 100020, China.
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Mallard SR, Connor JL, Houghton LA. Maternal factors associated with heavy periconceptional alcohol intake and drinking following pregnancy recognition: a post-partum survey of New Zealand women. Drug Alcohol Rev 2013; 32:389-97. [PMID: 23305204 DOI: 10.1111/dar.12024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2012] [Accepted: 11/25/2012] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION AND AIMS Alcohol consumption during pregnancy places the foetus at risk of Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders. Little is known about the current prevalence and patterns of alcohol consumption before and following pregnancy recognition in New Zealand. DESIGN AND METHODS A retrospective survey of 723 post-partum women resident in maternity wards located across New Zealand was conducted using a self-administered questionnaire. Maternal sociodemographic and obstetric characteristics and alcohol intake before and after pregnancy recognition were assessed. RESULTS Of the 968 women invited to participate, 78% agreed. Eighty-two percent of women reported consuming alcohol prior to pregnancy and 20% reported typically consuming >4 New Zealand standard drinks per occasion. Overall, 34% of women reported drinking at some time during pregnancy. Twelve percent of pregnancies were at high risk of heavy alcohol exposure in early gestation. In fully adjusted analysis, pregnancies most at risk were those of indigenous Māori women, Pacific women, smokers and drug users. Almost one-quarter (24%) of drinkers continued to drink following pregnancy recognition, and in fully adjusted analysis, continuing to drink was positively associated with frequency of alcohol consumption before pregnancy (P < 0.001 for linear trend). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS To reduce the burden of alcohol-related harm to the foetus, these findings suggest that New Zealand alcohol policy should be focused not only on promoting total abstinence when planning a pregnancy and when pregnant, but also on reducing 'binge drinking' culture and the frequent consumption of lower levels of alcohol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carol Bower
- Division of Population Sciences, Telethon Institute for Child Health Research, Centre for Child Health Research, The University of Western Australia, West Perth, Western Australia, Australia.
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Rabiu TB, Tiamiyu LO, Awoyinka BS. Awareness of spina bifida and periconceptional use of folic acid among pregnant women in a developing economy. Childs Nerv Syst 2012; 28:2115-9. [PMID: 22878662 DOI: 10.1007/s00381-012-1879-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2012] [Accepted: 07/25/2012] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Folate deficiency in pregnant women is a recognized cause of spina bifida. We sought to establish the level of awareness of spina bifida as well as the use of folate supplementation among pregnant women in a developing economy. METHOD Interviewer-administered questionnaires were used to obtain information from 200 to 20 randomly selected pregnant women attending antenatal clinics at the authors' institution. Demographic information and information on parity, folic acid use and knowledge on spina bifida including its cause, prevention and treatment were obtained. Data analyses were done using Epi Info version 6. RESULTS The mean age of the women was 30.3 years (range 17-52 years). Sixty-six of the women (30.0 %) were primigravida. Most of the respondents [208 (94.5 %)] have attained, at least, secondary level of education. The average gestational age at antenatal clinic booking was 20.7 weeks (range 4-38 weeks), while the average gestational age at commencement of folic acid use was 18.5 weeks (range 4-38 weeks). None of them used folic acid in the preconception period. Knowledge about spina bifida is poor and a significant number [103 (46.8 %)] have superstitious belief about its aetiology. Only 56 (25.5 %) of the respondents are aware that folic acid use prevents its occurrence; however, 194 (88.2 %) are willing to receive periconceptional folate supplementation. CONCLUSION There is paucity of knowledge about spina bifida among Nigerian pregnant women despite their high level of formal education. We advocate an aggressive public health campaign to enlighten the women about spina bifida and encourage periconceptional folate supplementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- T B Rabiu
- Division of Neurological Surgery, Department of Surgery, Federal Medical Centre, Ido-Ekiti, Nigeria.
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Awareness and use of folic acid among pregnant women in Taipei: increase the periconceptional use of folic acid in Taiwan. Taiwan J Obstet Gynecol 2012; 51:319-21; author reply 322-3. [PMID: 22795122 DOI: 10.1016/j.tjog.2012.04.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/26/2010] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
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Mallard SR, Gray AR, Houghton LA. Periconceptional bread intakes indicate New Zealand's proposed mandatory folic acid fortification program may be outdated: results from a postpartum survey. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2012; 12:8. [PMID: 22333513 PMCID: PMC3305569 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2393-12-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2011] [Accepted: 02/14/2012] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In September 2009, a folic acid fortification mandate (135 μg/100 g bread) was to be implemented in New Zealand. However, due to political and manufacturer objection, fortification was deferred until May 2012. Based on estimates of bread consumption derived from a 1997 nationally representative survey, this program was intended to deliver a mean additional intake of 140 μg folic acid/d to women of childbearing age. Little is known about current bread consumption patterns in this target group. The aim of this study was to assess bread consumption among women prior to and during pregnancy with the intent to estimate periconceptional folic acid intakes that would be derived from bread if mandatory fortification were implemented as currently proposed. Methods A retrospective survey of 723 postpartum women in hospitals and birthing centres across New Zealand was conducted using a self-administered questionnaire on bread intake prior to and during pregnancy and maternal socio-demographic and obstetric characteristics. Results Median bread intake before conception (2 slices/d) was below that of previous data upon which the current fortification proposal was modeled (3-4 slices/d). If mandatory fortification is implemented as proposed, only 31% (95% CI = 24%-37%) of childbearing-age women would attain an additional folic acid intake of ≥ 140 μg/d, with a mean of 119 μg/d (95% CI = 107 μg/d-130 μg/d). Based on these data, a fortification level of 160 μg/100 g bread is required to achieve the targeted mean of 140 μg folic acid/d. Nonetheless, under the current proposal additional folic acid intakes would be greatest among the least advantaged segments of the target population: Pacific and indigenous Māori ethnic groups; those with increased parity, lower income and education; younger and single mothers; and women with unplanned pregnancies. Subgroups predicted to derive less than adequate folic acid intakes from the proposed policy were women of Asian descent and those with a postgraduate education. Conclusions This study provides insight on the ability of a fortification policy to benefit the groups at highest risk of poor folate intakes in a population. However, bread consumption among the target group of childbearing women appears to have declined since the data used in previous dietary modeling were collected. Thus, it seems prudent to re-model dietary folic acid intakes based on more recent national survey data prior to the implementation of a mandatory folic acid fortification policy.
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Mallard SR, Gray AR, Houghton LA. Delaying mandatory folic acid fortification policy perpetuates health inequalities: results from a retrospective study of postpartum New Zealand women. Hum Reprod 2011; 27:273-82. [DOI: 10.1093/humrep/der387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
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20
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Tan TC, Tan SQ, Wei X. Cross-sectional pregnancy survey on fertility trends and pregnancy knowledge in Singapore. J Obstet Gynaecol Res 2011; 37:992-6. [PMID: 21463429 DOI: 10.1111/j.1447-0756.2010.01471.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
AIM Desire for children is a pertinent national health concern for Singapore due to the falling pregnancy rate. There is an urgent need to conduct a pregnancy survey for our local population to look into our local women's desire for pregnancy and family size, as well as their knowledge of the need for pregnancy supplements, fertility and pregnancy risks with the advanced age of mothers. MATERIAL AND METHODS A cross-sectional survey was mailed to 300 women in a random sample of the female population in the South West region of Singapore. RESULTS Three hundred women were invited to participate in our survey. Two hundred and sixty eight women (89.3%) responded. The mean age was 30.7 years (range 16-60). 41.8% were married. One in five women (21.8%) in the reproductive age group (below age 40) did not intend to have children. 70.5% of the women with tertiary education wanted children, compared to 56.4% of women with below-secondary education. Most of the respondents were aware of the risks of pregnancy with increasing maternal age, as well as the importance of folic acid, iron and calcium supplements in pregnancy. CONCLUSION The present study helps clinicians and policymakers gain an insight into pregnancy issues in Singapore. This is important in formulating population policies and public education programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thiam Chye Tan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, KK Women's and Children's Hospital, Singapore.
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Folic acid awareness and intake among women in areas with high prevalence of neural tube defects in China: a cross-sectional study. Public Health Nutr 2011; 14:1142-7. [DOI: 10.1017/s1368980011000097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
AbstractObjectiveTo measure folic acid awareness and intake rates among women of childbearing age in certain areas of China with a high prevalence of neural tube defects (NTD).DesignA cross-sectional survey was carried out utilising a nineteen-item questionnaire enquiring into individual women's knowledge of, attitude towards and practice of folic acid supplementation.SettingA total of 293 low-income counties in six provinces of China.SubjectsWomen aged 19–44 years from six provinces with a high prevalence of NTD recruited from June to August 2008.ResultsAmong 33 025 participants, 57 % had heard of folic acid but only 15 % knew all of the core information. The intake rate was 12 %; only 8 % took the recommended dose and only 4 % of non-pregnant women took folic acid. Some women did not take folic acid because they did not know that they should take it (49 %) or they had misconceptions about it (24 %). According to logistic regression analysis, rural residence was a risk factor for folic acid awareness. Ethnicity, educational level, average annual income per person and pregnancy were the influencing factors of folic acid awareness and folic acid intake.ConclusionsAlthough more than half of the respondents had heard of folic acid, the intake rate was still very low in areas with a high prevalence of NTD. Thus, more efforts are needed to increase folic acid awareness and intake among women of reproductive age in these areas.
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Abeywardana S, Bower C, Halliday J, Chan A, Sullivan EA. Prevalence of neural tube defects in Australia prior to mandatory fortification of bread-making flour with folic acid. Aust N Z J Public Health 2010; 34:351-5. [PMID: 20649773 DOI: 10.1111/j.1753-6405.2010.00565.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To establish baseline prevalence of neural tube defects (NTDs) prior to mandatory folic acid fortification in Australia. METHOD Retrospective population based study. Data from the Australian Congenital Anomalies Monitoring System, for 1998-2005 were used to calculate birth prevalence including live/stillbirths of at least 20 weeks gestation or 400 g birthweight. Total prevalence and trends of NTD including terminations of pregnancy (TOPs) before 20 weeks were established using data from South Australia, Victoria and Western Australia because of the incomplete ascertainment in other states. RESULTS The birth prevalence of NTDs from 1998-2005, was 5/10,000 births. The total prevalence including TOPs was 13/10,000 births. A 26% declining trend in total prevalence was seen from 1992-2005, but the main decline occurred prior to 1998. Women who were Indigenous, socially disadvantaged, young, living in remote areas and had multiple gestations were more likely to give birth to babies with NTDs. CONCLUSION The prevalence of NTD has been stable since 1998. Reporting of the birth prevalence alone underestimates the actual prevalence of NTD. IMPLICATIONS From a public health perspective, future monitoring of NTD following implementation of fortification of bread-making flour with folic acid should include a mixed methods approach; reporting birth prevalence on national data and total prevalence on tri-state data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samanthi Abeywardana
- Perinatal and Reproductive Epidemiology Research Unit, School of Women's and Children's Health, University of New South Wales.
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Zeng Z, Zhu J. Low folic acid supplement intake rate among women in northern China with a high-prevalence of neural tube defects, 2008. Prev Med 2010; 51:338-9. [PMID: 20655945 DOI: 10.1016/j.ypmed.2010.07.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2010] [Revised: 07/14/2010] [Accepted: 07/15/2010] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Awareness and Use of Folic Acid Among Pregnant Women in Taipei. Taiwan J Obstet Gynecol 2010; 49:306-10. [DOI: 10.1016/s1028-4559(10)60066-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/24/2009] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
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Molster C, Samanek A, Bower C, O'Leary P. A survey of folate knowledge and consumer behaviours in Western Australia prior to the introduction of mandatory food fortification. Aust N Z J Public Health 2009; 33:577-82. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1753-6405.2009.00456.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
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