Open AccessKnowledge of Neural Tube Defects and Prevention Through Folic Acid Use Among Women in Faisalabad, Punjab, Pakistan: A Cross-Sectional Survey
Author(s) -
Shazia Yasmin,
Ayesha Siddiqa,
Lauren Rockliffe,
Jaleel Miyan
Publication year - 2022
Publication title -
international journal of women's health
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.136
H-Index - 45
ISSN - 1179-1411
DOI - 10.2147/ijwh.s347887
Subject(s) - folic acid , medicine , neural tube , pregnancy , folic acid supplementation , cross sectional study , neural tube defect , first trimester , environmental health , pediatrics , obstetrics , gestation , fetus , pathology , embryo , genetics , biology , microbiology and biotechnology
Neural tube defects (NTDs) are one of the most common congenital abnormalities of the central nervous system and are associated with significant mortality, morbidity, and major life-long disability. Periconceptional folic acid reduces the risk of NTDs by up to 70%; however, in Pakistan, no public information program exists concerning the risks of NTDs or promoting folic acid use. As such, the aim of this study was to assess levels of knowledge about NTDs and folic acid use among women attending the gynaecology department of DHQ Hospital, Faisalabad, Pakistan.