Knowledge About the Significance of Folic Acid among Mongolian Students

Objectives: A woman's folic acid intake before conception and during early pregnancy plays an essential role in preventing neural tube defects and has been associated with preventing cleft lip and palate as well. The aim of this study was to determine knowledge about the significance of folic acid in pregnancy among mongolian female students between 18-23 years of age.

Methods: A questionnaire was developed, containing specific questions about folic acid, diet content, eating habits, and their knowledge regarding the role of folic acid during pregnancy, personal attitude towards health agencies and media measures. Four hundred fifty questionnaires were sent to 9 governmental and private universities of various types from January to March, 2007 of Ulaanbaatar city. The students were between 18 and 23 years of age. The questionnaires were completed during their lecture classes.

Results: Four hundred thirty nine questionnaires (97.5%) have been returned out of 450. The average age of students was 20. In total 84.5% have not heard about folic acid, but only 16.0% knew about its role, where as these students were from the medical university. Answers to specific questions about folic acid and its significance to pregnancy suggest that 77% of the students have not heard about influence of folic acid defficiency to the development of fetuses as well as malformation prevention by folic acid. For the question “Do you know the recommended dietary allowance for folate and folic acid for adults?” all students gave negative answers.

Conclusion: Lack of basic knowledge about folic acid among female students urges health agencies and professionals in Mongolia to increase public awareness, conduct classes to raise students' level of knowledge in order to prevent birth defects.