Periconceptional folic acid use among women living in Duzce region

Aim: The objectives of this study were to determine the rate of periconceptional folic acid use among women living in Duzce region, to assess folic acid awareness and to examine the association between folic acid use and education level. Methods: A questionnaire was administered to all pregnant women attending to our antenatal care clinic between December 2004 and February 2005. Results: One hundred and twenty eight women were interviewed during the study period. Seventy-five women (58.6%) planned their pregnancy. Of these women fourteen (10.9%) used folic acid supplements before conception. 78.6% of women who took folic acid before conception ( 11 women) were health workers. Conclusion: The lack of information is the main reason why folic acid is not used preconceptionally and in early pregnancy.