Early cognizance of folic acid supplementation among pregnant women in the prevention of cleft lip and palate- a questionnaire study.

BACKGROUND

The awareness of the symbiotic correlation between folic acid and its role in preventing orofacial clefts in pregnant mothers needs to be established during the early gestational period, proving that consumption in both dietary and supplementation forms has positive effects on the mother and the developing fetus.

AIM: The present study raises awareness of the benefits and use of folic acid supplementation in the early phases of gestation.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

A questionnaire survey was conducted over 9 months. It was designed with a total of 13 queries, and a sizable sample of 100 women were personally interviewed after obtaining verbal consent.

RESULTS

A total of 100 pregnant women of different age groups participated in the questionnaire study. Of these, only 11 of the respondents were found to be aware of the benefits of folic acid as a nutritional supplement, and 29 respondents were on folic acid supplementation. Almost 52 percent of those surveyed failed to take folate supplementation in the first two trimesters.

CONCLUSION

The survey highlights the urgent need for information access and awareness to understand the benefits of supplementary folic acid among pregnant mothers in the prevention of orofacial clefts and overall well-being.