Comparison of serum folic acid and calcium levels in pregnant women based on preeclampsia screening in rural and urban areas

Introduction: Preeclampsia risk factor screening in pregnant women is done as a primary prevention effort to make it easier to screen for risk factor preeclampsia incidence and give recommended treatment for preeclampsia prevention. Several predictor risk factors, including nutritional status and micronutrients, can be modified to prevent preeclampsia. The study aims to analyze the difference between folic acid and calcium in pregnancy based on screening preeclampsia in rural (Bangkalan) and urban (Surabaya) areas. Methods: This observational analytic study with a cross-sectional design was conducted at healthcare facilities specified in the two regions (Bangkalan and Surabaya) from May to August 2023. A total of 102 pregnant women from both areas were included in this study. Inclusion criteria are pregnant women with 12-20 weeks of gestational age with and without preeclampsia risk factors. Blood sample analyses have been done to measure the folic acid (ELIS) and calcium levels (Arsenazo III). Result: On folic acid levels, there was no difference between positive and negative preeclampsia subjects in rural (p=0.580) and urban areas (p=0.567). At serum calcium level, no difference was observed between the sample with screening preeclampsia positive and negative in rural areas (p=0.243) and urban areas (p=0.763). Conclusion: This research showed no difference in the level of folic acid and calcium based on preeclampsia screening in rural and urban areas. The risk factors based on the preeclampsia screening in the two regions were varied.