Awareness and Use of Folic Acid Among Pregnant Women in Western Ukraine: A Pilot Study.

OBJECTIVE

Neural tube defects remain a significant global health concern. This pilot study assessed folic acid (FA) knowledge and supplementation practices among pregnant women in Ukraine.

METHODS

A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 95 pregnant women who completed a 22-item self-administered questionnaire assessing FA awareness and socio-demographic characteristics.

RESULTS

Although 76.8% of participants reported planned pregnancies, only 25.3% used FA before conception, while 80.0% initiated supplementation after pregnancy recognition (p < 0.05). In bivariate logistic regression analysis, preconception counseling (OR = 7.7, 95% CI: 2.37-24.85), planned pregnancy (OR = 9.7, 95% CI: 1.22-76.25), previous FA supplementation (OR = 3.11, 95% CI: 1.20-8.33), and increasing maternal age (OR = 1.09 per year, 95% CI: 1.00-1.19) were significantly associated with preconception FA use. Sociodemographic factors were not significant predictors. For FA use during pregnancy, only previous supplementation remained significant (OR = 4.10, 95% CI: 1.10-14.29). Awareness of recommended FA use before (35.8%) and during pregnancy (48.4%) and knowledge of neural tube defect prevention (20.0%) were low and not associated with supplementation behavior.

CONCLUSIONS

A substantial gap exists between recommended and actual FA use, particularly before conception. Strengthening preconception counseling may improve timely supplementation.