Awareness of Neural Tube Defects in Pregnancy among Medical Students- A Cross-Sectional Survey

Background: Neural Tube Defects (NTDs) are preventable congenital malformations that can be avoided through early interventions, specifically through the consumption of folic acid. The main goal of this research was to assess awareness, knowledge and attitudes among medical students about neural tube defects during pregnancy and to analyze demographic and educational predictors of awareness. Methodology: A postal questionnaire cross-sectional survey was sent to around 450 medical students who had successfully completed one semester of their undergraduate medical course. A validated and standardized questionnaire with three sections-demographic information, knowledge about neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) and attitude towards NTDs-was sent either by post or personally. Descriptive statistical analysis in the form of percentages, frequencies and mean scores and inferential statistical analysis like chi-square tests and ANOVA was used to analyze the data and determine factors that were associated with differences in confidence and awareness in counseling. Results: The age range of the participants ranged from 19 to 24 years and the female participants ranged between 55% to 62% of the sample size being analyzed. The correct identification percentage of NTDs was greater among fourth-year (85%) students than among first-year (45%) students and a value of chi-square was 21.76 (p = 0.008). Knowledge in the form of awareness about risk factors, characteristics and prevention significantly related to the educational level as well as the age group (χ2 = 23.49, p = 0.002). The female students consistently showed higher awareness levels in all aspects when compared with male students and it was found to be statistically significant (p<0.05). The maximum mean scores in knowledge were observed for fourth-year and internship students, i.e., 7.4±0.7 and 7.6±0.7, respectively; F was 19.82 in ANOVA analysis (p<0.001). Also, the students who underwent formal training showed increased confidence, of which 78% were "very confident" compared to 45% of the no-training group (χ2 = 28.94, p<0.001). Also, the confidence level and knowledge had a positive correlation with age as well as the specialty field, particularly obstetrics and gynecology. Conclusion: The results revealed that exposure to training, gender, educational level and course of study had a significant effect on the knowledge and attitudes of medical students regarding neural tube defects. Additionally, the results showed a stronger correlation between education level and training and self-efficacy in counseling. The results showed that there should be inclusion of formal education interventions within medical training to increase the knowledge and preventive counseling skill of upcoming health professionals.