Supplement use pre-conceptually and in the first trimester of pregnancy in Birmingham, UK | ||
| Journal of the Arab Society for Medical Research | ||
| Volume 16, Issue 2, July 2021, Pages 160-166 PDF (109.61 K) | ||
| DOI: 10.4103/jasmr.jasmr_26_21 | ||
| Abstract | ||
| Background/aim Sufficient levels of vitamins in the periconceptual period are important for embryonic and fetal development. It is well known that periconceptual folic acid supplementation prevents neural tube defects; however, evidence suggests that periconceptual supplement uptake is suboptimal. The aim of the study was to investigate the uptake of periconceptual supplements in women. The secondary aims were to characterize preconceptual supplement users by age, parity, level of education, ethnicity, first language, and presence of chronic health problems and to identify types of supplements used. Patients and methods This was a descriptive cross-sectional survey. A total of 180 women aged 16 years or older in their first trimester of pregnancy attending for their dating scan in Birmingham, UK. Percentages and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of periconceptual supplement users were calculated. Statistical tests were carried out to examine the association of age, ethnicity, first language, parity, level of education, and presence of chronic health problems with preconceptual supplement use. Information about types of supplements used was also gathered. Results Supplements were taken preconceptually by 39.0% (95% CI: 32.1–46.2) of participants. However, 11.5% started using supplements in the first trimester of pregnancy, and 89 (49.4%, 95% CI: 42.2 to 56.7) participants had not used any supplements. Disparities in the use of preconceptual supplements were seen across a range of characteristics, although none of the differences were statistically significant. Conclusion Despite recommendations, periconceptual supplement uptake remains suboptimal. Strategies to improve supplement uptake might include active participation from primary health care professionals targeting all women of reproductive age, education campaigns, and population-based food folic acid fortification. | ||
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