Periconceptional Folic Acid Supplementation in Chinese Women: A Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the status of folic acid (FA) supplementation and determinants of its use in pregnant Chinese women.

Methods: In this cross-sectional study, questionnaires were used to collect information of participants and FA supplementation. Women were recruited between 6 and 12 weeks postpartum in Tianjin, China, between July 2015 and July 2016.

Results: A total of 1,921 women were recruited in the study. Approximately 93.1% of the study participants used FA, while 14.4% of the women taking FA from three months prior to preconception to three months post-conception. Women who took FA for three months prior to preconception through at least three months into their pregnancy were more likely to be between 30 and 34 years old (OR = 2.91, 95% CI: 1.15, 7.33), employed (OR = 2.07, 95% CI: 1.17, 3.67), primigravida (OR = 5.20, 95% CI: 3.02, 8.96), married to spouses with an intermediate education level (OR = 2.92, 95% CI: 1.45, 5.89), and earn a high family income (OR = 3.19, 95% CI: 1.57, 6.49).

Conclusion: The prevalence of periconceptional FA intake was far below the requirements of the National Health and Family Planning Commission of China; therefore, knowledge of FA supplementation should be strengthened among women who are or planning to become pregnant.

Keywords: Cross-sectional study; Folic acid; Periconception; Supplementation.