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PRACTICE AND ATTITUDE TOWARD AND KNOWLEDGE OF IMPORTANCE ABOUT FOLIC ACID AMONG CHILDBEARING WOMEN IN WESTERN REGION, SAUDI ARABIA, 2019

Khalid Khadawardi

Introduction: A balanced diet is very important for pregnant women which consists of proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals and fats. Supplements do not replace a healthy diet but rather ensure that a woman is taking enough daily nutrients. Folic Acid is a B vitamin, which is found in different foods but can be best got through a multi-vitamin. Things such as leafy green vegetables, fortified cereals, orange juice and strawberries are just some of many foods that contain folic acid. Congenital anomalies affect an evaluated 3% of newborns worldwide. Nearly 50 years ago, it was found that the B-vitamin folic acid play a role in improving normal embryonic development. This study done to investigate the level of awareness of importance and the practice of preconception folic acid supplementation in preventing neural tube defects (NTDs). Methods: We have conducted a descriptive cross-sectional study in King Abdulaziz Hospital in Almina, South Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. A self-administered questionnaire requires information about Knowledge, awareness, perception of Folic Acid importance and use among child bearing female, has been filled by participants. Results: . In this study, there was a significant relation between age and if ever heard about folic acid (p<0.001), and for work and if ever heard about folic acid (p<0.001). Those who heard about folic acid were ninety four, and the majority of them aged from eighteen to thirty years (65.9%). Among those who heard about folic acid, the majority were university graduated (73.4%). Conclusion: We need to apply more efforts to increase the knowledge emphasize on the importance of the use of folic acid among females in Almina, South Jeddah city, Saudi Arabia. Keywords: Folic Acid, awareness, dose, deficiency, complications