KNOWLEDGE AND USE OF FOLIC ACID AMONG FEMALE STUDENTS OF REPRODUCTIVE AGE IN LEAD CITY UNIVERSITY, IBADAN, OYO STATE

Abstract

Folic acid (FA) is one of the micro-nutrients required by women of reproductive age (WRA) and its deficiency is associated with an increased risk of a woman having a child with Neural Tube Defects (NTDs). Evidence has shown that many WRA have insufficient information and are unaware of the importance of FA to the health of their unborn children. Therefore, this study was designed to assess knowledge and use of FA among Female students of reproductive age in Lead City University Ibadan (LCU), Oyo State. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in a purposively selected higher institution (LCU) Ibadan. Using a three-stage random sampling technique 418 female students were proportionally selected from different departments. A semi-structured, self-administered questionnaire was used to elicit information on respondents' socio-demographic characteristics, use of FA, perception and factors influencing its use. Scores were categorised using the mean as cut-off. Knowledge of FA was measured on a 19-point scale; scores <11 and ≤11 were categorised as poor and good, respectively. Perception was measured on a 16- point scale; scores <10 and ≥10 were categorised as negative and positive. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics, logistic regression and Chi-square tests at p=0.05. Respondents' age was 22.0±3.6 years and 93.6% were single. Respondents' mean knowledge score was 10.0±23 and 66.3% had poor knowledge. About seven percent correctly defined FA and 78.5% reported that foIate could be obtained from balanced diets that include fruits and vegetables. About 87.0% did not know the best time to take FA and less than half (41%) reported that one benefit of taking FA before pregnancy is to prevent NTDs. All respondents perceived that FA is important for their health and proper development of their future children while 67.2% stated that using FA was one way to prevent anaemia in pregnancy. Only 42 (10.0%) of the respondents use FA daily and 20 (48.0%) of these received prescription from a medical professional. Over half (56.2%) indicated that they had not received prior information regarding FA use, but would be motivated to use it if they receive information on its benefits. The proportion using FA was significantly lower among single respondents (5.4%) than those that are married (80.8%). Logistic regression showed that respondents who were single were less likely to use FA than those who were married (OR =0.011; CI:0.01-0.04). This study has shown that knowledge and use of folic acid were poor among respondents. Appropriate health education intervention such as organising routine health seminars about importance of folic acid use among female students of reproductive age is recommended.