Preconception folic acid utilization and associated factors among reproductive-age women in Lemi Kura Sub City, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 2024

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Folic acid deficiency is a major public health problem that mostly affect developing countries. It is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes and, leads to maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality worldwide. In developing country such as Ethiopia, utilization of preconception folic acid supplements is very low. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate women's utilization of Preconception folic acid and associated factors in Lemi Kura Sub City, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, in 2024. METHOD: Institutional based cross-sectional study was conducted in randomly selected public health centers in Lemi Kura Sub City, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia with a total sample size of 404 pregnant women who has been selected by systematic sampling techniques. Data were collected by interview after ethical clearance was obtained from the university. Kobo toolkit was used for data entry and transferred to SPSS version 25 for analysis. Model for Bivariate multivariable logistic regressions was computed to identify factors associated with preconception folic acid utilization. Variables with a p-value < 0.25 in the bivariable analysis were included in the multivariable model. In multivariable, P-value less than 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. RESULT: Four hundred four pregnant women participated from 409 in this study, with a 99% response rate. Of those 11.4% of them begun folic acid intake before conception with 95% CI: 7.6-18.9%. Significant association was found on women having secondary education (AOR 3.70, CI 1.46-9), having history of unsuccessful pregnancy (AOR 3.464, CI 1.243-9.657), diagnosis of diabetes mellitus (AOR 3.817, CI 1.180, 12.348) and had poor knowledge on preconception folic acid utilization (AOR 3.308, CI 1.386-7.896). CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS: Low level of folic acid usage during the preconception phase among expectant mothers residing in Lemi Kura Sub city, Ethiopia. To address finding, it is crucial to prioritize efforts such as expanding maternal education coverage, increasing monthly household income, and enhancing awareness among adolescents and pregnant mothers about the significance of utilizing folic acid before conception.