Knowledge and practices of folate and multivitamin supplementation among Jordanian pregnant women

Abstract

The objectives of this study conducted with women in Irbid, Jordan were to describe maternal folate knowledge and sources of this knowledge; to describe maternal practices of using vitamin supplements; and to examine the impact of selected variables on the use of folate supplement. A descriptive retrospective survey design was used. A convenience sample of 300 women was recruited from the Princess Badia Teaching Hospital. Data were collected using a self-report Maternal Nutritional Knowledge and Behaviour Questionnaire. Among study participants, 58.3% reported that they had heard or read about folic acid and 53.7% reported that they had heard or read that taking folic acid can help prevent some birth defects. The most frequent source of folate knowledge was a doctor, nurse or health care provider (37.7%). Seventy-seven per cent were users of multivitamins and 58.3% were users of folic acid. The significant predictors of lower folate use were less prenatal care, lower education level and higher number of previous pregnancies, p = 0.000. The results of this study indicate that further effort is needed in Jordan to educate women about the importance of taking prenatal vitamins, especially folic acid.