Assessment of knowledge and Practices regarding folic acid supplementation Among pregnant women in Dhamar City, Yemen
A Research Submitted to the Midwife Department, Applied College of Science & Technology, Branch Thamar in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Diploma of Midwife.
By (Researchers)
Amal Anwar Abdullah Dahbil
Anisa Musaad Al-Suwaidi
Bashaer Ahmed Musaad Al-Ansi
Doaa Ali Shams Al-Din
Enas Hefzullah Abu Qamar
Hamas Ahmed Al-Hadaa
Malak Ali Mohammed Al-Shabibi
Noor Mohammed Al-Maqdashi
Reem Ali Mohammed Ali Saeed
Ruqayah Abdullah Yahya Al-Luwaa
Samira Tawfiq Mohammed Saeed
Supervisor:
Dr. Bushara Naser Al-Shawish
Master in Epidemiology and Public Health
(قَالُوا سُبْحَانَكَ لَا عِلْمَ لَنَا إِلَّا مَا عَلَّمْتَنَا إِلَّا مَا عَلَّمْتَنَا إِنَّكَ أَنْتَ الْعَلِيمُ الْحَكِيمُ)
سورة البقرة – الآية (32)
Dedication & Acknowledgments
Dedication: We dedicate this work to our mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, and friends for their endless support and kindness throughout our journey.
Acknowledgments: First and foremost, thanks to Almighty Allah. Special gratitude to our supervisor Dr. Bushara Naser Al-Shawish, Head of Midwife Dept Dr. Harbia Al-Qadhi, Dr. Abdulaziz Alhattami, Dean Dr. Faiz Alharoji, and Deputy Dean Dr. Hussein Gueim. We also extend appreciation to Dhamar General Hospital Authority and all participating medical centers.
Abstract
Background: Folic acid (FA) supplementation is essential to prevent maternal and fetal complications during pregnancy.
Aims: Assess knowledge and practices of pregnant women regarding FA supplementation in Dhamar City, Yemen.
Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study conducted among 216 pregnant women attending ANC clinics using a pretested questionnaire.
Results: 28.7% aged 25–29 years; 67.6% urban; 47.2% illiterate; 84.7% knew FA prevents fetal abnormalities. However, only 29.6% knew it should be taken preconceptionally. Main barriers: procurement difficulty (60.2%), cost (58.3%), and forgetfulness (63.4%).
Conclusion & Recommendation: Knowledge about FA benefits is good, but pre-pregnancy intake awareness is lacking. Strengthening health education programs is strongly recommended.
نتائج الدراسة والداول (Results Tables)
Table (4.1): Socio-demographic Characteristics among 216 pregnant women
| Variables | Characteristics | Frequency | Percent % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Age | < 20 | 24 | 11.1% |
| 20 – 24 | 38 | 17.6% | |
| 25 – 29 | 62 | 28.7% | |
| 30 – 34 | 50 | 23.1% | |
| 35 – 39 | 34 | 15.7% | |
| ≥ 40 | 8 | 3.7% | |
| Residence | Urban | 146 | 67.6% |
| Rural | 70 | 32.4% | |
| Economic Status | Low (< US$200/month) | 86 | 39.8% |
| Middle (≥ US$200/month) | 110 |