KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICES TOWARDS THE USE OF FOLIC ACID AMONG PREGNANT WOMEN AGED 18-45 YEARS AT KITEBI HEALTH CENTRE III, KAMPALA DISTRICT. A CROSS SECTIONAL STUDY.

Abstract

The purpose of the study

Was to assess the knowledge, attitude and practices toward the use of folic acid among pregnant women aged 18-45 years at Kitebi health center III, Kampala district.

Methodology

A cross sectional study design, with simple Radom sampling as the sample technique. Data was collected on sample size of 50 respondents using semi structured questionnaires written in English language with open ended questions as data collection tools, analysis was done manually using tally sheets, pen and paper, entered in excel computer program presented in tables and figure then interpreted.

Results

(78%) had ever heard of folic acid, (60%) knew green leafy vegetables contained folic acid, (70%) knew anemia as a defect that arises from deficiency of folic acid. (66%) of the respondents would advise a fellow pregnant woman to take folic acid, (50%) agreed that folic acid supplements prevent anemia. (34%) of the respondents continued taking folic acid supplements after delivery, (80%) had ever taken folic acid before, (60%) took folic acid regularly and at the right time

Conclusion

Despite the fact that knowledge, attitude and practices towards the use of folic acid among pregnant women aged 18-45 years were fairy noted worth but the study established a research gap in regarding awareness of folic acid, defects that arise from deficiency of folic acid and the fact that a handful of respondents were taking green leafy vegetables on a daily basis which needed to be addressed for equitable prevention of NTDs

Recommendation

Health workers at Kitebi health center III should continue sensitizing pregnant women about the importance of regular ATN care visits and educating them about the general uses of folic acid as to close the research gaps.