Assessment of awareness, knowledge, and usage of folic acid among females in Jazan Region, Saudi Arabia

Folic acid (FA) plays a crucial role in various biological processes. Insufficient intake of FA during pregnancy can lead to serious clinical complications, including neural tube defect. The current study sought to assess the awareness, knowledge, and usage of FA among young females in Jazan region of Saudi Arabia. This cross-sectional descriptive study involved 472 adult females from October 1 to 9, 2023, in Jazan region, Saudi Arabia. The questionnaire of the study was randomly distributed among females. The data showed that awareness and usage of FA supplementation were poor to fair among females. Furthermore, socio-demographic variables, including age, marital status, monthly income, education levels, number of pregnancies, and current pregnancy status, were found to be associated with awareness and utilization of FA supplementation. The study highlights the need to enhance awareness and knowledge of FA supplementation among females in the Jazan region. Introducing educational programs is essential in Saudi Arabia, particularly in the Jazan region, to enhance the knowledge and awareness of FA within the community.