Abstract
Author(s): Batoul Ballout*, Sara Sherri, Mariam Hajj Diab, Bassem Malaeb and Diana MalaebObjective: Infertility is recognized as a public health issue worldwide where the total fertility rate is decreasing in most countries. Hence, this study assesses the use of folic acid supplementation prior to pregnancy in the Lebanese population.
Methods: It was a cross-sectional study that took place between December 2019 and February 2020 using a representative sample of community patients. Of 1000 participants who were approached, 980 were completed and collected back and 953 samples were accepted. The sample was drawn from the districts of all Lebanese governorates (Beirut, Mount Lebanon, North Lebanon, South Lebanon, and Bekaa).
Results: Females with prior delivery of children were significantly associated with higher intake of folic acid prior to pregnancy, whereas females with low monthly income were significantly associated with lower intake of folic acid.
Conclusion: The findings of this study about the assessment of the use of folic acid prior to pregnancy may be the first step towards the development of efficient health promotion programs oriented for the adequate utilization of folic acid use among Lebanese population.