Folic Acid Awareness and Utilization in Pregnant Women with Neural Tube Defect Risk Factors: A Prospective Cohort Study

Our aim in our study was to evaluate folic acid use and awareness among pregnant women with NTD risk factors. The prospective cohort study encompassed singleton pregnant women in their first trimester at a tertiary hospital in Turkey. The study group consisted of 132 pregnant women with at least one NTD risk factor and equal number without any risk factors, forming the control group. Demographic data were collected via responses to a 10-question survey developed through a literature review. The survey explored participants' knowledge of folic acid and awareness of NTDs. It was conducted face to face and categorized by outcome. The high-risk group exhibited better folate awareness and use. Although there was a significant increase in pre-pregnancy folate use in the high-risk group, only 18.35% had used pre-pregnancy folate. The study showed that folate awareness was higher among participants with at least a university degree. In conclusion, despite recommendations for pre-conceptional folate use, the study reveals that awareness and use are low and emphasizes the need to increase social awareness, especially by targeting women with NTD risk factors.