Knowledge and attitude of women towards the diet supplementation with folic amid against the background of country-wide Programme of Prevention of Neural Tube Defects

Edward Tlałka
Maria Zadarko-Domaradzka
Marek Sobolewski
Z Zakładu Biologii Człowieka i Edukacji Zdrowotnej, Wydziału Wychowania Fizycznego Uniwersytetu Rzeszowskiego
Z Zakładu Biologii Człowieka i Edukacji Zdrowotnej, Wydziału Wychowania Fizycznego Uniwersytetu Rzeszowskiego
Z Zakładu Metod Ilościowych w Ekonomii Politechniki Rzeszowskiej

Abstract

The programme of Primary Prevention of Neural Tube Defects has been led in Poland since 1997. It is devoted to promote the knowledge of folic acid importance in neural tube defects prevention and formation of proper health behaviours among young women. The aim of this paper is to present the current level
of women’s knowledge concerning folate prophylaxis and compare it with knowledge presented by women S years ago. The study took place in November 2006, and involved students of Rzeszow University (N = 200). Survey questionnaire method was used. Complex analysis of gathered material was done using STATISTICA 7 software. Despite positive tendency noted during those 5 years in women’s familiarity with the term “folic acid”, lack of knowledge of when and why it is needed in organism, was observed. Over 70% of participants were not able to define it. Most respondents do not know what the daily dose of folic acid should be, and did not follow prescribed supplementation.

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